The prodigy has an enduring allure, more so if he is yet to sprout whiskers, and his voice has a pre-adolescent twang. This is a trait often linked to subcontinental cricket, especially in India and Pakistan.

An Imran Khan would stroll the streets in Pakistan and pick lads hurling a tape-ball at tremendous pace. And in India, there are these two forever projects linked to finding the next Kapil Dev and the next Sachin Tendulkar.

Subject of curiosity

In all these quests, the subject of curiosity is a young boy, yet to feel the splash of an aftershave on his chin. “Chotte”, or little one, might sound like body-shaming in these politically correct times, but it is also a term of endearment from the senior professional to the pre-pubescent youngster breaking into the big world of cricket.

Be it India or Pakistan, the search for the next big “chotte”, a striking oxymoron, is always on. Seen in this context, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14 years old, and on the cusp of turning 15, has ticked all the boxes.

Age entirely on his side, a cherubic face, stunning talent, and hell, he has already played First Class cricket for Bihar, Indian Premier League (IPL) fixtures for Rajasthan Royals, and is a vital cog within the India Under-19 outfit. The numbers he has stacked up are staggering.

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At a mere 14, he hammered 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur during last year’s IPL. For those with a recency bias, there is the 175 he plundered against England in the Under-19 World Cup final at Harare on February 6.

He has done all this while still not being eligible for a driving licence or a voter ID, and obviously he will be barred at bars! At an age when boys are dealing with acne, exam-fever and the perplexity of adolescence, Suryavanshi is making headlines — and, unsurprisingly, the ‘next Sachin’ references have popped up.

The southpaw’s talent is for all to see and, already, whispers about blooding him into the senior Indian squad have begun. Still it is better to wait a bit for the boy to become a man, maybe sport a wisp of a moustache, gain some years and some certainty in his emotional arc.

The lines above may sound like the statutory warning in share market ventures, but some caution is essential while selectors allow him to organically flourish. It must be remembered that for even Tendulkar, there was a counter in Vinod Kambli. The latter made that oft-quoted comment about his buddy taking the elevator while he took the stairs, but when he did catch up with the former, he dazzled, albeit, all too briefly.

Tendulkar turned up first for India at 16 in a Test, and Kambli did that at 19 in an ODI. Briefly, the schoolmates found their tracks running parallel, and then the dynamic southpaw, who once toyed with the great Shane Warne at Sharjah, ran out of steam.

Form waned, a chink against short-pitched bowling undid his forays at the batting crease, and, more importantly, Kambli the person unravelled. His international career was over when he was just 28, ideally the prime stage in a batter’s life. Refusing to read the tea leaves, Kambli often moistened his throat with a potent liquid and soaked his soul within the stifling embrace of self-pity.

Flattering to deceive

A talent withered while Tendulkar watched aghast and, in his own way, tried to help. Readers of a certain vintage may still remember the effervescence that Kambli lent to a soft drink advertisement, which featured his other India mates too. Still, he remains a case of promising much and then flattering to deceive.

It need not be all gloom and doom, and yes, Suryavanshi needs to be celebrated in the immediacy of his runs and the hope he offers. To swing on the side of positivity, there is the Virat Kohli story. Again a star at the Under-19 level, Kohli’s transition to the India shade and to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru colours was not easy.

Speaking to him at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, it was obvious that he was self-aware for someone still under 20. Yet during a candid interaction with select media personnel at a fancy hotel in the same city, he once opened up about how he presumed it would all come easy to him, indulged himself a bit, and then understood cricket at the international and even club level is tougher than his Under-19 skirmishes.

This was a man who held a mirror to himself and turned his career around. Suryavanshi has ideal role models in Tendulkar and Kohli. So too in other earlier Under-19 stars like Yuvraj Singh. But it is a minuscule club, as the graduation from teens to adulthood is never easy for most in real life. It is even tougher for young athletes torn between academics and sport, blinding limelight and honest sweat.

Throw in fame and excess money in the bank, and heads can sway, and the 5 a.m. alarm call can be ignored. The morning run is discarded, visits to the gym turn sporadic, and shots are played from a rusting muscle-memory. Just like Kambli, there are whispers about Prithvi Shaw now. Most would remember Unmukt Chand, Under-19 star primed to turn out for India. He also featured in a soft drink commercial with established stars. He even wrote a book, ‘The Sky is the Limit’. But he didn’t fly high.

Just as India celebrates its teenage prodigies, it also quickly tires of them once they fall by the wayside. Presciently, Tendulkar told the trophy-winning India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre: “Don’t lose focus and get distracted.” The legend was gently nudging the lad to chase his dreams of eventually playing for the India senior team.

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From the Under-19 level, cricketers still have to turn up for their local clubs, play for their State age-groups and try and break into the Ranji squad. At times patience wears thin and it is presumed that there is a magic bridge between Under-19 and the India colours, with the IPL lending a hand.

The cricketing fraternity will quickly pounce on attitude shifts, notes will be exchanged, and suddenly, the rising star becomes a wilting flower. Soon, it becomes a rage against the dying flame, and as more competitive talent emerges, the return to top-flight cricket becomes tough.

Support system essential

A support system is essential, at times the NCA, now the BCCI CoE, does that through its coaches and counselling sessions. A young and temperamental Harbhajan Singh almost contemplated shifting to Canada and driving trucks but he had a supportive captain in Sourav Ganguly, and he flourished.

Still, it all boils down to the youngster having the drive to persist and prosper. Suryavanshi has a long road ahead, and it is up to him to pave it with ballast and stride with confidence.

Vinod Kambli (R) with wife Andrea Hewitt© X (Twitter)

Vinod Kambli at the Wankhede Stadium celebrations© Instagram

A few weeks ago, the video of a frail Vinod Kambli went viral as he was meeting cricket great and his long-time fried Sachin Tendulkar during the inauguration of the memorial of their coach Ramakant Achrekar. A few days later, Kambli was admitted to hospital due to a health emergency. Former players like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev raised their concerns. Though Kambli has been discharged, he continues to remain weak as was evident from a video of a function in Mumbai.   

Some of Mumbai’s cricketing heroes, including legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar and former player Vinod Kambli, were on Sunday felicitated by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) at the opening event of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Wankhede Stadium. In that ceremony, the way Kambli walked towards the stage showed how frail he still is. He even met Gavaskar and touched his feet. 

Kambli, who was recently discharged from a local hospital after being admitted to the ICU on December 21 due to health complications, was also present on the occasion. He was seen being escorted around as he is still on the recovery path.

Good to See The Great vinod Kambli walking in his Feet #50YearsWankhede#Vinodkambli pic.twitter.com/ckqsFRSkoa

— kumar (@KumarlLamani) January 13, 2025

After his felicitation, Kambli spoke about his playing days at the iconic venue.

“I remember I smashed my first double hundred here against England and then went on to score many more hundreds in my career,” he said.

“If anyone wants to play for India like me or Sachin (Tendulkar), then I would advise that you should keep working hard and never leave doing that because that’s what Sachin and me did since our childhood days.” Speaking on the occasion, MCA President Naik said, “Wankhede Stadium’s 50th anniversary is a special occasion for us. Today was the start of the grand celebration.

“Our main goal behind this week-long event is to inform the next generation about Mumbai’s cricket history and contributions of men’s and women’s players who played for Mumbai and inspire the young generation to take forward this legacy.”

As part of the week-long celebrations, two exciting cricket matches involving teams from MCA, SJAM, Consul Generals and IAS Officers were held.

Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma and Dilip Vengsarkar will also be part of the grand celebrations.

The other stalwarts who are expected to join the celebrations are former India skippers Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and former national women’s team captain Diana Edulji.

The main event will also feature Mumbai’s legendary men’s and women’s players from domestic and international cricket.

With PTI inputs 

File photo of Vinod Kambli and PV Sindhu© X/Twitter

Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev has promised former India batter Vinod Kambli, who walked out of a Thane hospital here, to visit him at the earliest. Kambli was admitted in ICU on December 21 due to health complications which included urinary infection and cramps but doctors later said the 52-year-old also had clots in his brain. On Wednesday, Kambli moved out of the hospital appearing physically frail but high in spirits, and posed for photographs with the hospital staff, besides playing a short game of cricket.

Shailesh Thakur, director of Akruti Hospital, said during Kambli’s hospitalisation, he had also made a video call to former India captain Kapil Dev whose batch of 1983 World Cup winners have also extended their offer to help the Mumbai cricketer.

“Hi Kapil paaji how are you,” replied an emotional Kambli to Kapil’s greeting through the call.

The World Cup-winning captain then spoke to his one-time teammate for a brief while.

“I will come and see you. You are looking good, you have coloured your beard. Don’t rush. If you need to stay (in the hospital) for a few more days, please don’t rush. Tell the doctors it is fine if there is a need to stay on for two more days,” Kapil said.

“Take care. When you will better and come out, I will come to meet you. Look after yourself, love you,” Kapil added.

Kapil also thanked Thakur. “Thank you Shailesh, (for) you are looking after him. He is looking good, look after him.

Thakur said the hospital will extend all possible help to Kambli.

“I have been a fan of Kambli sir all my life and it was tough to see him struggling because of his health issues. We brought him to our hospital and we will also take care of his medical expenses and hospitalisation in the future,” Thakur told PTI.

File photo of Vinod Kambli© X (Twitter)

Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli, currently recovering at a private hospital in Thane district, was seen in a video performing an energetic dance at the medical facility, a moment that left not only the staff but also social media buzzing. Kambli (52) initially complained of urinary infection and muscle cramps following which he was admitted to Akruti Hospital in the Kalher area of Bhiwandi town on December 21. Later, a series of medical examinations revealed clots in his brain.

His health condition is improving, doctors treating him said on Monday. After capturing the attention of his fans for his cricketing skills during playing days, the left-handed batter, who featured in 17 Tests and 104 ODIs, has now impressed his admirers with his dance moves from hospital ward, indicating significant improvement in his health.

The moment was captured on video, showing Kambli dancing to a popular song with remarkable enthusiasm, which inspired those around him. His upbeat performance lifted the spirits of hospital staff, other patients, and attendees alike. A nurse and another staffer are seen enthusiastically dancing with him.

In a heartfelt message on social media, Kambli expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported him throughout his recovery journey.

“I have reached this far because of your love,” he said.

The Mumbai-based former cricketer also thanked Shailesh Thakur, the hospital director, for his support during treatment. The video of Kambli’s hospital dance quickly went viral on social media with fans showering him with wishes for a speedy recovery.

Recently, the doctor treating Kambli said he is facing memory loss too. 

“Yes, there is a little bit of impairment of memory function also. Definitely, there is some impairment. Neurodegenerative changes are there. So again, with the help of time and good rehabilitation, he will probably start functioning normally again. But not like 100 per cent, but definitely he will achieve 80-90 per cent of the memory, that previous memory,” Dwivedi said.

“This happens. Earlier, he was ethanolic. Three-four months back he stopped alcohol and smoking. At that time, he was ethanolic. Sometimes, that can cause it (memory loss). At present there is complete abstinence of alcohol. There is now withdrawal symptom too.”

Vinod Kambli, former India cricketer, was admitted to a private hospital in Thane on Saturday after health complications. Dr Vivek Dwivedi, who is leading the team treating the cricket star, stated that Kambli had a high-grade fever when admitted. On Thursday, Dwivedi provided another update on Kambli’s condition and said the ex-India batter may be discharged in the next few days. He also said that there might be some fluid retention. 

“Yes, there is one condition. So, we call it NPH. But it will improve with the help of medicine. No surgeries are required. Neither further clots etc. Only with the help of medicine will it subside. So he will need a good rehabilitation. Rehabilitation means physiotherapy and nutritional support,” Dr Vivek Dwivedi, chief intensivist of Akruti Health City Hospital, said on Vickey Lalwani’s YouTube channel.

“He will need a close monitoring. He will need rehabilitation, for which he will need money. He will need good physiotherapist twice a day, along with it he will need good nutritional support, speech therapy, there is some slurring. Rehabilitation is something which he will need. He will need good monitoring after discharge.”

The doctor also said that Kambli is facing memory loss too. 

“Yes, there is a little bit of impairment of memory function also. Definitely, there is some impairment. Neurodegenerative changes are there. So again, with the help of time and good rehabilitation, he will probably start functioning normally again. But not like 100 per cent, but definitely he will achieve 80-90 per cent of the memory, that previous memory,” Dwivedi said.

“This happens. Earlier, he was ethanolic. Three-four months back he stopped alcohol and smoking. At that time, he was ethanolic. Sometimes, that can cause it (memory loss). At present there is complete abstinence of alcohol. There is now withdrawal symptom too.”

Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli, admitted to the ICU of a private hospital in Thane district, developed a fever on Tuesday, but his condition was stable, doctors treating him said on Tuesday. Kambli (52) is responding to the treatment for urinary tract infections for which he was admitted at Akruti Hospital near Bhiwandi town on Saturday (December 21), Dr Vivek Trivedi told PTI. Trivedi is heading the medical team that is supervising the former cricketer’s health. Doctors were planning to do an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) on the former India batter, but since he has developed a fever, a decision on the non-invasive medical procedure will be taken later, he said. The MRI procedure has been necessitated after a series of medical examinations conducted earlier revealed clots in his brain, Trivedi said.

Kambli is likely to be shifted out of the ICU within a day or two and discharged after about four days, he said.

He said the condition of the Mumbai-based former cricketer was critical four days back when he had an extreme urinary infection as puss had got collected in his bladder. The puss was removed when he was admitted to the hospital.

Remaining at home for some more days would have complicated his condition, Trivedi opined, adding his blood pressure was also fluctuating when he was brought to the hospital.

His condition was stable at present, the doctor added.

“His condition will be closely monitored for the next 24 hours and a decision taken on shifting him out of the ICU,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Shrikant Shinde Foundation, run by his MP-son, have stepped forward to assist Kambli.

On the instructions of Eknath Shinde, his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Mangesh Chiwte visited the hospital to enquire about the former cricketer’s health condition, said an official release issued by the deputy CM’s office in Thane on Tuesday night.

Chiwte also engaged with the hospital’s medical staff to ensure Kambli receives the best possible care during his treatment.

Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde, the son of Eknath Shinde, announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for Kambli. The assistance will be provided through the Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation next week, the release said.

Additionally, Shrikant Shinde has assured Kambli and his family of further support in the days to come, according to OSD Chiwte.

Kambli expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state’s sensitive leadership, particularly Eknath Shinde, who is an MLA from Thane district, and Shrikant Shinde, for their support and concern for him. The former cricketer also expressed a desire to personally meet the Deputy CM to thank him for the support extended during his time of need, said the release.

Eknath and Shrikant Shinde are expected to visit him at the hospital soon, it said.