Vinod Kambli celebrates Sachin Tendulkar's birthday with kids at Shivaji Park

Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli marked Sachin Tendulkar's 53rd birthday with a personal message and a return to Shivaji Park, the ground where their friendship and cricketing journeys began. In a recent video with Dinshaw's, Kambli looked back at their long association and delivered a line that caught fans' attention.

"Aye partner, aaj celebration toh banta hai. Happy Birthday, partner," Kambli said in the video, a greeting rooted in memories of their early years on Mumbai's maidans, where the two grew up playing together.

Sharing the moment, Kambli said, "This is a special day for me. I remember my partner Sachin Tendulkar every 24th April. We share incredible memories from our early days, celebrating birthdays and dominating the maidans together. That bond is unbreakable."

He carried that sentiment back to Shivaji Park, where he spent time with young cricketers and shared Dinshaw's ice cream with them. The setting echoed the routines of their formative years, built around practice, persistence, and partnership.

The tribute also comes at a time when Kambli continues to deal with serious health concerns, although there have been signs of physical improvement. Amid this, Sachin Tendulkar has joined a WhatsApp group created by close friends to provide financial and emotional support.

The initiative has been led by Kambli's longtime friend Marcus Couto and includes former cricketers and well-wishers. Couto opened up about the support system around Kambli and his current condition.

"I have formed a WhatsApp group including his friends, and without taking names, they contribute a lot financially," Couto told Hindustan Times.

"His memory isn't good, but over the last six months, it hasn't declined either. He can't remember much, but when something clicks, he does. Otherwise, it gets difficult for him," he added.

Couto said Kambli's condition remains delicate, even with gradual improvement in mobility. He also noted that the former India batter has stopped drinking, but other concerns persist.

"The doctor is saying that the next stage would be a brain stroke. He has stopped drinking, but sometimes, when he goes down, he asks those passing by to help him with a smoke," Couto said.

"He would ask auto drivers for a cigarette, and they would gladly oblige, thinking they're helping 'The Vinod Kambli'. But they don't realise what harm they are causing. The damage is now not to his heart, liver, or kidney; it's his brain," he added.

Kambli's wife, Andrea Hewitt, however, rejected the reports, stating that his health was improving. "By God's grace, Vinod is fine. I don't know who is spreading false information about his health," she told journalist Vickey Lalwani.

Kambli is now reportedly able to walk more comfortably and has resumed light professional work, recently shooting for an advertisement. He spends most of his time at home with his family, occasionally visits care centres in Thane, and continues to undergo regular medical check-ups.