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Xtra Time Web Desk: India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, has made an earnest appeal to former cricketer Vinod Kambli, urging him to take the first step toward rehabilitation amid mounting concerns over his personal struggles.

Speaking at the launch of the Vishwa Samudra Open, Kapil, who also serves as the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), emphasized self-help as the foundation of recovery. "We are all here to support him. Sunil Gavaskar has conveyed on behalf of the 1983 World Cup-winning team that they are ready to help, and I extend my support as well. But more than us helping him, he has to help himself. We can't take care of him if he doesn't take care of himself," Kapil stated.

Kambli, who represented India in 17 Tests and 104 ODIs from 1991 to 2000, has faced a series of challenges in recent years, including health issues and personal controversies.

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Sunil Gavaskar echoed Kapil's sentiments, affirming, "The 1983 team wants to take care of him. We want to help Vinod Kambli get back on his feet."

Decline of a prodigious talent  

Once celebrated for his flamboyant batting and a promising cricketing career, Kambli's later years have been marred by troubling incidents. His personal struggles have included legal issues, accusations of erratic behavior, and substance abuse. Notable incidents, such as a 2022 arrest for alleged drunk driving after crashing his car into a building gate, have drawn public concern.

A recent viral video showing Kambli struggling to walk and maintain balance has further alarmed fans and well-wishers, spotlighting the stark contrast between his current state and his peak cricketing days.

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A cherished legacy with Tendulkar 

Kambli's camaraderie with Sachin Tendulkar remains one of Indian cricket's cherished stories. Under coach Ramakant Achrekar at Shardashram Vidyamandir in Mumbai, the duo made headlines with a world-record 664-run partnership in a Harris Shield semifinal in 1988. While Tendulkar ascended to cricketing greatness, Kambli's trajectory veered off course, leaving behind questions about unfulfilled potential.

Kapil Dev's and Sunil Gavaskar's efforts reflect the cricketing fraternity's collective hope to help Kambli reclaim stability in his life, underscoring the need for his own determination to steer this recovery.