Former India cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli are friends since childhood. They played school cricket together and then turned up for the Mumbai state team before eventually representing the country at the highest level.

Over the years, however, their friendship has seen a downward spiral and they have managed to sort out the differences as well.

Currently, the 50-year-old Kambli is struggling financially as his only source of income is the pension from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

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"I used to wake up at 5am, take a cab to DY Patil Stadium. It was very hectic. I would then coach at the BKC ground in the evening," Kambli told Mid-day. "I am a retired cricketer, who is completely dependent on the pension from the BCCI. My only payment (source of income) at the moment is from the Board, for which I am really thankful and grateful. It takes care of my family."

"I was seeking help from the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association). I came into the CIC [Cricket Improvement Committee], but it was an honorary job. I went to the MCA for some help. I have a family to look after. I told the MCA many times that if you require me, I am there whether it is at the Wankhede Stadium or at BKC. Mumbai cricket has given me a lot. I owe my life to this game. After retirement, there is no cricket for you. But if you want to stay steady in life, it is important to have assignments. I am looking for that from the MCA. All I can do is request the MCA president [Dr Vijay Patil] or the secretary [Sanjay Naik] for an assignment."

When asked whether childhood friend and batting great Tendulkar is aware of his financial condition, Kambli said: "He (Sachin) knows everything, but I am not expecting anything from him. He gave me the TMGA (Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy) assignment. I was very happy. He has been a very good friend. He has always been there for me."

Kambli added that he is always ready to serve Mumbai cricket in any capacity.

"I need assignments, where I can work with youngsters. I know Mumbai have retained Amol (Muzumdar) as their head coach, but if anywhere I am needed, I am there. We have played together and we were a great team. That’s what I want them (Mumbai team) to do...to play as a team."

Vinod Kambli played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs for India, scoring 1084 and 2477 runs respectively. While the southpaw slammed four centuries in the longest version of the game, he hit two in the 50-over format.