Mumbai: In a world where the spotlight often shines brightest on success, few moments remind us of the fragility of fame quite like the recent viral post featuring Vinod Kambli and Kantibhai Gala at an event to unveil the statue of legendary coach, the late Ramakant Achrekar.
Who is Kantibhai?
A photo of the two men, with Gala’s arm around Kambli’s shoulder, captured more than just a passing moment—it encapsulated the weight of dreams deferred, the longing for days gone by, and a quiet hope for redemption. This simple gesture of compassion went viral and evoked a wave of sadness and guilt across the nation, especially among the well-to-do circles of cricketing elites.
Kantibhai Gala, a resident of Shivaji Park for decades, is no stranger to the comings and goings of local celebrities, from aspiring actors to rising cricketers. But it was his friendship with Vinod Kambli, one of India’s most talented cricketers, that has left a lasting impression. In his post, Gala reflected on the three “Ds”—Dedication, Determination, and Discipline—as the keys to success, contrasting Kambli’s unfulfilled potential with the triumphs of his contemporary, Sachin Tendulkar.
Gala made a poignant reference to Tendulkar’s success as a testament to the rewards of hard work and perseverance, qualities Kambli struggled to maintain. A story aired on Aaj Tak covered both the viral post and another video, where Kambli is seen refusing to let go of Tendulkar’s hand during a meeting—highlighting the emotional pain he feels from being overshadowed by his more successful peer.
VIDEO | Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) met his childhood friend and former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli at the unveiling ceremony of memorial for legendary cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/uTgW0MIfax
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 3, 2024
The Origin
So, where did it all begin? “I was introduced to Vinod by my close friend, Dwarkanath Sanzgiri,” Gala shared, his voice thick with nostalgia. “Kambli was a young, gifted cricketer, full of promise. He would often drop by my shop after his practice sessions, leaving his kit behind to pick it up the next day. There was something so vibrant about him—his enthusiasm, his natural talent. I always believed he could achieve greatness.” But as time passed, Kambli’s career faltered.
Despite a remarkable start—boasting a Test average of 100 in his first seven matches, a record that remains unmatched by any Indian cricketer — personal struggles began to take their toll. “What a talent,” Gala sighed, still holding onto the memory of Kambli’s graceful off-side strokes. “Even today, Kambli holds the record for the fastest 1,000 runs in Test matches by an Indian. Jaiswal, today, is the youngest to do so. His average is still higher than Tendulkar’s,” Gala said.
The tale of Kambli’s decline, however, is one of lost opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Gala sums up Kambli’s downfall with a heavy heart. “If only he had controlled his habits, things might have been different.” Their recent reunion at the unveiling of Ramakant Achrekar’s statue was a poignant reminder of the past. It also revealed the depth of Kambli’s pain. Gala spoke of how Kambli appeared visibly frustrated, his feelings of being left behind as former teammates arrived in luxury cars, basking in the adoration of fans.
The contrast between Kambli’s quiet suffering and the exuberance of his former colleagues was stark. Depression hung in the air, a heavy burden on a man once regarded as one of India’s brightest cricketing stars. It was at this moment that Gala, in a simple act of kindness, put his arm around Kambli’s shoulder. A gesture that, in hindsight, turned out to be far more significant than either man could have anticipated. “I could sense his frustration,” Gala recalled. “He asked about Dwarkanath, who’s battling cancer. I could see the sadness in his eyes.” The photo, a symbol of empathy and shared history, soon went viral across social media. But beyond the immediate attention, the gesture sparked a larger conversation about how society treats its fallen heroes.
