Kunal Purandare's new book on ex-cricketer Vinod Kambli is an insightful look at one of Indian cricket's most enigmatic characters
Kunal Purandare's new book on ex-cricketer Vinod Kambli is an insightful look at one of Indian cricket's most enigmatic characters
"Vinod Kambli has been a puzzle throughout his career. I have tried to unravel this puzzle through my book," says journalist Kunal Purandare, author of Vinod Kambli: The Lost Hero. But why Kambli, one might ask? "I wanted to work on his biography because he was an intriguing cricketer not only in Mumbai but also in Indian cricket.
Several theories have done the rounds about his rise and fall, yet there is no official documentation," believes Kunal. The book seeks to present the facts, as it is meant to be, he reveals. 
Kambli: The Lost Hero, Kunal Purandare,Har-Anand
Publications, Rs 295. Available at leading bookstores.
This biography took Kunal nearly three years to complete. Kunal, who calls himself a student of the game, followed his Kambli's career very closely.
He went into the psyche of the left-hander (which Kambli is) and tried to understand his unconventional approach to the game. "The era in which Kambli made his debut was different. He was a flamboyant hitter, a destroyer of bowling attacksu00a0-- I was fascinated by his approach," the author adds.
Researching for the book meant that Kunal pored over hundreds of newspaper clippings. He watched almost every inning of Kambli, whether it was for a Mumbai or an India match.
He also spoke with Ajit Wadekar, former Indian captain, who was the coach and manager during Kambli's presence in the Indian team.
Apart from Wadekar, he also spoke with ex-teammates Amol Muzumdar and Salil Ankola who were friends of the cricketer. Each of them provided Kunal with interesting anecdotes and information about Kambli as a cricketer and a person.
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
