NEW DELHI: Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar forged an unbreakable bond on Mumbai's streets and in school cricket. Their record-breaking 664-run partnership in a school cricket match for Shardashram Vidyamandir made them an unforgettable duo in Indian cricket history.
However, both players had contrasting fortunes in their careers: Sachin went on to become one of the greatest cricketers in history, while Kambli, despite excelling early in his career, failed to maintain his momentum.
Virendra Kambli, Vinod Kambli's brother, has spoken about the friendship between Vinod and Sachin, clarifying that Vinod never considered himself more talented than Sachin, contrary to popular belief.
"Both had the same talent. You can't say my brother was greater than Sachin or vice versa. They were both the same. I never heard my brother say he was better than Sachin," Virendra said in an interview with Vickey Lalwani.
"Sachin dada has always supported Vinod. Their friendship is still very strong. Sachin calls and checks on him with Andrea (Hewitt, Vinod's wife)," Virendra revealed.
"Sachin dada. He was closest to him. I don't know about others, but I saw them together when I went to watch Ranji Trophy matches. I would go to the dressing room to eat, and Sachin dada, Vinod, and I would sit together and have fun. We would joke around and have a good time," Virendra said.
Virendra also revealed that the former India batter is still yet to fully recover from his ailments.
"He is at home right now. He is getting stable, but his treatment is on. He is having difficulty speaking. It will take him time to recover. But he is a champion, and he will come back. He will start walking and running, hopefully. I have a lot of faith in him. I hope you can see him back on the ground," said Virendra.
