Former India captain Kapil Dev has made an urgent plea to his one-time India teammate Vinod Kambli, to work on himself and once again stated his willingness to help the struggling ex-cricketer.

Kambli's troubles were highlighted during a recent public event honoring his late instructor, Ramakant Achrekar. At the ceremony, which was attended by childhood friend and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Kambli was spotted with slurred speech and difficulties maintaining composure.

He emotionally held to Tendulkar's hand, emphasizing the closeness they had since infancy. Kambli talked about his coach in Marathi and even sang a song.

"We can't look after anybody if he can't look after himself. More than supporting him, he has to support himself. All the cricketers feel very sad seeing his current condition. I wish his closest friends would spend time with him and encourage him to go back to rehab, get rid of this illness,” Kapil Dev said at an event.

Kambli's bright cricket career featured remarkable performances, including two Test double centuries. However, his international career was cut short, with only 17 Tests and 104 ODIs to his name.

While pledging support, Kapil stated that he is concerned about the well-being of his compatriot, adding, "He has to first go back and look after himself. I am concerned as a sportsperson, and he has been going through a rough time."

Kambli has battled health issues over the past decade including heart surgery, alcoholism, and other matters thathaves led him to become a frail version of himself.

(Times of India inputs)