Roshan Mahanama’s message of support to Vinod Kambli: ‘You have friends on the other side of the ocean’

Vinod Kambli(L),Roshan Mahanama(R) Images :X

Shamik Chakrabarty, Colombo

Back in April, when Vinod Kambli had turned up for an IPL game at Wankhede Stadium, he looked pale and frail. The former India batsman, who stitched a historic world-record 664-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar while playing for Shardashram Vidyamandir in the Harris Shield in 1988, has been battling health issues in the last few years. He was hospitalised several times, and when he came for that game between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was struggling to walk, being supported by two men.

Kambli made a roaring entry into Test cricket, scoring two double centuries and as many hundreds in his first seven Tests. He faded away even more spectacularly. But those who have played with and against him still remember the man who had the talent to achieve great things.

Roshan Mahanama, the World Cup-winning former Sri Lanka batsman, who in his day was one of the finest fielders in the game, checked on Kambli’s health as we met over an informal gathering in Colombo. The message of support to “his friend” was spontaneous.

 

Listen to Roshan Mahanama’s heartfelt message of support for his friend, Vinod Kambli.

 

“My dear friend, I think it’s been almost 30 years since we saw each other on a playing field,” said Mahanama. “I’m sure we met once or twice subsequently, but our prayers and thoughts are with you. At the end of the day, we wish you good health, bounce back and if we can be of any help, support, you have friends on the other side of the ocean. Just let us know and we’ll do whatever we can, but we are there for you. Stay strong, never give up.”

Mahanama reminisced about the 1996 World Cup semi-final1996 World Cup semi-final against India at Eden Gardens — the crowd trouble and Kambli’s infamous crying after the hosts’ inglorious exit. “The people of Calcutta were upset because India lost,” recounted the 60-year-old, who also served as an ICC match referee with distinction. “They were never bad with us. In fact, they gave us sweets and told us to beat Pakistan in the final. And then, when we landed in Lahore to play the final, the Pakistanis, too, were giving us sweets for beating India.”

Three decades have passed since. Hair has turned grey. But Mahanama still looks lithe and lean enough to stand at cover-point. A hearty laugh embellished the goodbye.

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The post Roshan Mahanama’s message of support to Vinod Kambli: ‘You have friends on the other side of the ocean’ appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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