Mumbai’s prodigious talent factory produced Vinod Kambli, a left-handed wizard who shared school nets with Sachin Tendulkar. Born January 18, 1972, their juvenile exploits—record-shattering stands—foreshadowed stardom. Tendulkar debuted for India in 1989; Kambli waited, entering ODIs in 1991 before his Test initiation on January 29, 1993, versus England at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens.

Azharuddin’s men opted to field after winning the toss. England crumbled to 163 all out. India’s riposte: 371, powered by the skipper’s 182. Kambli, arriving at No. 3, scratched around for 16 runs off 46 balls. England’s follow-on yielded 286, setting India 79 to win—knocked off for 82/2. Kambli finished not out on 18, but the debut offered no fireworks.

Brighter days ensued. Across 17 Tests, he plundered 1,084 runs at an elite 54.20 average—4 hundreds, 3 fifties, best of 227. Form deserted him swiftly; selectors axed him post-17 games. In ODIs, longevity prevailed: 104 caps, 2,477 runs (2×100, 14×50), bowing out in 2000.

Pundits once pegged Kambli’s technique above Tendulkar’s. Alas, wayward habits and faltering commitment derailed the dream. Lately, illness and money troubles dominate narratives. Yet, Kambli’s latest pledge—to train rigorously, reclaim fitness, and mentor his boy—hints at unfinished business as he battles back to health.