Vinod Kambli reveals the secret behind scoring a hundred runs in a message from above, Watch Video

New Delhi: Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli, who has recently been in the news for his health struggles related to alcohol, was visibly emotional as he looked back on his playing days at Wankhede Stadium during the venue's 50th anniversary celebrations on Sunday. The 52-year-old, who had recently spent time in the hospital, sparked concern among his fans. But his presence at the event brought comfort to many of his supporters.

Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the event, Kambli nostalgically recalled his playing days, particularly the moment when he scored his first Test double century against England at Wankhede. “I remember scoring my first double hundred here against England, and that was the start of many more centuries in my career,” an emotional Kambli shared.

One of the brightest stars in Indian cricket, Kambli rose to prominence alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the nineties. While Tendulkar went on to become the ‘God’ of cricket, Kambli became more entangled in off-field issues, which ultimately led to his downfall in international cricket.

Urging today’s youngsters to pursue their cricketing dreams, Kambli advised aspiring cricketers to work tirelessly if they aim to represent India, just as he and Sachin Tendulkar did.

“If you want to play for India like me or Sachin (Tendulkar), my advice is to keep working hard and never stop, because that’s what Sachin and I did from our childhood,” Kambli recalled. He also had a chance to meet former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer at the event.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli says, “I have scored two double centuries against England in this stadium (Wankhede Stadium). I have a lot of memories attached to this stadium… I wish all the budding cricketers all the best…” pic.twitter.com/gMscrhOLSz

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025

MCA’s Plans for Wankhede’s Special Occasion

In addition to Vinod Kambli’s emotional recollection, other cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Dilip Vengsarkar will also join the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for the grand celebrations at Wankhede Stadium.

To mark the occasion, the MCA will release a coffee table book on January 19, alongside the issuance of a commemorative postal stamp. The MCA will also honor the groundsmen and members of the Mumbai team, who played the first-ever first-class match at Wankhede Stadium in 1974.