Vinod Kambli Profile: Age, Date of Birth and Career Info

Vinod Kambli – Mumbai’s Prodigious Left-Hander & Cricket’s Lost Talent

Vinod Kambli, a gifted left-handed batsman from the streets of Mumbai, was hailed as the next big star and was widely admired for his raw talent, consistency, and determination in the early years of his career..

Kambli's career soared to spectacular heights early in his career, only to decline. From a young boy with dreams, immense promise, determination, and talent who went on to score a consecutive double century in Test cricket for his nation. The journey was filled with injuries and personal struggles, yet he remains one of Indian cricket's most tragic heroes.

Vinod Kambli – Age, Background & Batting Identity

Full Name & Early Details

Vinod Ganpat Kambli was born on January 18, 1972, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Ganpat Kambli (Father). Vijaya Kambli (Mother). Kambi was the eldest of his three siblings, Vidya Kambli, Virendra Kambli, Vikas Kambli, and Vidyadhar Kambli. 

Batting Style & Early Brilliance

Vinod Kambli is a left-handed middle-order batter known for his flamboyant stroke play and fearless approach.. He gained his with the legendary 664-run school partnership with childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar, scoring 349 himself

Family, Schooling & Early Cricketing Roots

Vinod Kambli grew up in a modest setting in Bombay, residing in a chawl with a joint family of 18 members. His father, Ganpat Kambli, worked as a mechanic. Kambli’s family faced financial issues during his early years. Kambli himself has said that when he was young, he once stole something because his family couldn’t afford to buy him a new cricket bat, showing how hard life was for him. However, his talent with the bat took him to several places, and he was mentored alongside Sachin Tendulkar by the legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar.

Kambli starred in the Harris Shield school tournaments. His breakthrough came early when he made headlines with a record partnership of 664 runs with his friend Sachin Tendulkar, which put both prodigies on the national radar.

Vinod Kambli’s Meteoric Rise – International Debut & Record Feats

Test & ODI Journey

Vinod Kambli made his ODI debut at 18 years in 1991 against Pakistan. Although he started his international career with a duck, he went on to play 104 ODIs for India and scored two one-day international centuries.

Vinod Kambli made his Test debut two years later, in 1993, against England. Unlike in ODIs, he had a fantastic start to his red-ball career, managing to score 224 runs in just three Test appearances. He then went on to play 17 Test matches for India

Historic Records

Vinod Kambli became the fastest Indian to score 1,000 Test runs in just 14 innings. He then recorded back-to-back double centuries in Test cricket against England and Zimbabwe. The left-handed batter is the only cricketer with three consecutive Test centuries against three countries, including double centuries against England and Zimbabwe. He also holds a Test average of 54.21, which is still among the highest for India. Notably, Kambli scored an ODI century on his birthday against England

Vinod Kambli’s Early Retirement & Unfulfilled International Outlook

Sudden Halt to International Career

Vinod Kambli’s career began to decline at his early age of 23; he played his last and final match in Indian colors against Sri Lanka in an ODI series in 2000. Due to recurring injuries that affected his form and fitness, he was limited in his ability to perform consistently. Due to this, Kambli faced confidence issues and lacked the mental resilience needed at the highest level, which impacted his performance big time. 

Vinod Kambli announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2011, as he had been sidelined for a long time. His comeback journey never really lived up to his expectations due to attitude issues, off-field distractions, and controversies, which affected his focus and motivation.

Life After Cricket – Coaching, Controversies & Media

Coaching Endeavors

Vinod Kambli launched his own cricket academy, named Khel Bharti Sports Academy, in 2009. He then worked with the Mumbai Cricket Association to expand his coaching career, and he worked in the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy (TMGA) until 2022. 

Media and Off-Field Spurts

Vinod Kambli has appeared in a popular TV reality show, Big Boss, entering the house in season 3 as a wild card participant, and appeared in the Sach Ka Saamna reality show, showcasing different aspects of his personality beyond cricket. The frequent television appearances helped him to connect with wider audiences and kept him in the public eye after his cricketing career.

Kambli also acted in regional films and tried his hand at politics, joining the Lok Bharati Party as its national vice-president. He contested in the 2009 Assembly elections from Vikhroli, Mumbai, as a candidate for the Lok Bharati Party, but lost the election to the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate. 

A book titled “Vinod Kambli: The Lost Hero” by Kunal Purandare was written about Vinod Kambli’s rise, successes, and challenges in Indian cricket.

Instagram: @vinodkambli2016

Twitter/X: no account

Vinod Kambli’s Personal Life – Marriages, Family & Faith

Marital History

Vinod Kambli’s first wife was Noella Lewis, an air hostess, whom he married in 1998. However, their marriage ended in divorce within a few months. Eight years later, Kambli married Andrea Hewitt, and the couple has two children named Jesus Christiano and Johanna. Originally born a Hindu, Kambli converted to Christianity after his second marriage.

Net Worth, Health Struggles & Public Concern

Estimated Net Worth

Vinod Kambli’s estimated net worth is currently around ₹5 crores; his major earning sources are his cricket career, endorsements, coaching role, and frequent media appearances. Despite enjoying early financial success, Kambli faced financial hardships down the road due to unpaid dues and loan defaults related to his personal properties.

During the tough times, Kambli got financial help from his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar and Cricket Legend Sunil Gavaskar, who personally raised funds and helped him clear all his dues.

Health Challenges

In July 2012, Vinod Kambli underwent angioplasty to treat two blocked arteries. A year later, in November 2013, he experienced chest pain while driving and was taken to Lilavati Hospital. Though it was suspected to be a heart attack, doctors ruled it out and treated him as a precautionary measure. 

Fast forward to 2024, in a viral video, Vinod Kambli was shown struggling to walk. This sparked widespread concern among fans and within the cricket community. Kambli was later admitted to the hospital in December 2024, as doctors detected brain clots and also noted urinary infections. He was then discharged in January 2025 after the doctors declared him completely fit. As of August 2025, he is recuperating at home in Mumbai.

Vinod Kambli’s Legacy, Regrets & Inspirational Unknowns

Vinod Kambli’s career is often described as a “what could have been” story in Indian cricket. Despite his immense talent, he is remembered as a player who missed many opportunities.

Former Cricketer and Yuvaraj Singh's father Yograj Singh once remarked, “You will cry your life for one mistake,” a quote that has resurfaced in recent media discussions. His journey stands as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale, a reminder of the fine line between glory and regret in professional sport.

Trivia & Iconic Anecdotes

• Vinod Kambli hit a six off the first ball in his Ranji debut
• He is known for his flamboyant hairstyles and off-field fashion sense
• Once imitated by famous Bollywood comedian Johnny Lever for his expressive style on a reality show
• Passionate about music, movies, and social causes