Ready to help Vinod Kambli, but he must take first step himself: 1983 World Cup heroes

In the viral video, Kambli is seen clutching onto Tendulkar's hand, and seemingly trying to continue his conversation with the retired legend, raising concerns about his health among netizens.

Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli resurfaced into public notice after a video of him clinging to Sachin Tendulkar went viral on social media, raising concerns about his health among netizens.

Amidst this, the heroes of the 1983 World Cup winning team have offered to help him, but only if he admits himself to rehab on his own first.

In the viral video, Kambli is seen clutching onto Tendulkar's hand, and seemingly trying to continue his conversation with the retired legend. The two of them met at Shivaji Park during a memorial ceremony for their childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar.

Another video saw him attempt to speak in tribute for his coach, but his speech was muddled and incoherent.

These were among the third such videos of Kambli that had people concerned. In August, a video surfaced of him being unable to walk properly.

According to a report in the Times of India, Marcus Couto, a former First-Class umpire and Kambli's childhood cricketing friend, said, " He wasn't drunk or something. He hasn't touched a drop of alcohol for the past one year. It's just that he became very emotional during his brief meeting with Sachin, who greeted him nicely on the stage. He was very enthusiastic about meeting Sachin and attending the function," adding, "He has severe, multiple health issues. There's no point in him going for rehab - Kambli has already gone to rehab 14 times! Three times, we took him to a rehab in Vasai."

Former India and Mumbai wicketkeeper Sameer Dighe said, "I met him after many years. He got up and hugged me and called out: 'Samya!' I couldn't see him in his present condition. I felt so bad. I had tears in my eyes. We've played together for 14 years (for Mumbai), I pray to God to give him good health"

Kambli's friends and colleagues have seemingly given up on him and his alcohol addiction, but after the video from the ceremony surfaced, members of the 1983 World-Cup winning team said they are willing to help Kambli, but he must want to help himself first.

"Kapil (Dev, captain of the 1983 team) has told me clearly that if he wants to go to rehab, then we are willing to help him financially. However, he has to check into rehab himself first," former India seamer Balwinder Singh Sandhu told TOI, adding, "Only if he does that, we are ready to foot the bill, irrespective of how long the treatment lasts."

The team had previously helped out former India opener and coach Anshuman Gaekwad for his cancer treatment.

"Not many are willing to help him," Sandhu said, "It is well known his troubles start and end with alcohol. Kapil has had a bad experience with him. He had helped him get a job as a cricket expert on a New Delhi news channel, but Kambli only showed up a couple of times and then just stopped. I've asked Nilesh (Kulkarni), Abey (Kuruvilla) and Paras (Mhambrey), all who have played with him, about what can be done to help him. They have all given up on him. I've known him and Sachin from the time they were just 12. Sadly, we are losing a fine cricketer."