Vinod Kambli recalls unfulfilled promise to his late mother
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, who is battling serious health problems, has revealed a heartbreaking story from his past.
The 52-year-old was recently admitted to a hospital after his health worsened but is said to be recovering now.
In a recent interview, he recalled a heartbreaking moment when he couldn't keep a promise he made to his late mother.
"I told her that I will come to meet you after this match," he revealed.
Here are further details.
Unfulfilled promise
Kambli recalls his mother's passing
Kambli was playing a Ranji Trophy semi-final match when he received the news of his mother's demise.
He had promised her during their last conversation that he would visit after the match, but she had passed away.
"After her death, I reached there and I was just crying there," he stated.
"When I spoke to my mother for the last time, I told her that I will come to meet you after this match," Kambli recalled with deep regret.
Emotional tribute
He played the match despite the news
When Kambli learned about his mother's demise, he rushed to her the next morning and was filled with grief.
However, his father reminded him it was his mother's dream to see him play that match.
"Then I went back and played that match," he recalled. "Whenever I was hitting boundaries and taking 2-2 runs, tears were coming out of my eyes."
This emotional incident shows Kambli's commitment to his mother's memory through his sport.
Life after cricket
Kambli's health struggles and post-retirement challenges
Kambli's health problems started in 2013 when he had a heart attack, and he has since been battling depression and alcohol-related issues.
His life after hanging his boots has been marred by financial troubles and health issues.
Despite trying his hand at acting, television, commentary post-retirement, he never really made it big in any of these.
Stats
A look at the former Indian cricketer's career numbers
The middle-order batter featured in 17 Tests for India and racked up 1,084 runs at 54.20.
He also hammered four tons and three fifties while boasting a high score of 227 in 21 innings.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Kambli amassed 2,477 runs at 32.59 across 104 ODIs.
He also retired with a strike rate of 71.94 alongside two centuries and 14 half-centuries (HS: 106).
Additionally, he featured in 129 FC games and racked up 9,9655 runs in 181 innings at 59.67.