Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar’s friendship began at the age of 10, blossoming into a partnership that extended well beyond the cricket field. The duo shared unforgettable moments as teammates and enjoyed an enduring camaraderie for over two decades.
However, their bond faced challenges. During an Indian reality show, Vinod Kambli revealed that Sachin Tendulkar hadn’t supported him during difficult times, causing a significant rift. This tension was evident when Kambli was notably absent from Tendulkar’s emotional retirement speech and subsequent gathering.
Despite their differences, Tendulkar and Kambli eventually reconciled and restored their friendship. Yet, this wasn’t the first instance of strain between the two. Anecdotes from their playing days reveal a playful but occasionally tense relationship.
One such episode, recounted by former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, took place during the 1992 ODI World Cup. Kambli, part of India’s squad but excluded from the playing XI in the early matches, struggled with frustration over his non-selection.
Manjrekar shared that Kambli frequently expressed his displeasure, targeting both Tendulkar and him (Manjrekar). Despite their efforts to secure victories, Kambli would critique their performances.
In one instance, following India’s win against Zimbabwe, Kambli remarked, “We could have won it a lot earlier.” He even questioned Tendulkar’s approach to Zimbabwean bowler John Traicos, suggesting that Tendulkar should have aimed for big hits instead of taking singles. Tendulkar calmly responded, “Our target was to win the match,” highlighting his focus on the bigger picture.
Manjrekar noted, “If there’s one person who could upset Sachin, it was Vinod Kambli,” underscoring their unique dynamic.
Well, that was an interesting revelation.
