Kambli - a victim of self-destruction

Time was when Kambli was hailed a bigger talent than Tendulkar. The two grew together, played together and were schoolmates who authored some record-breaking feats.

When he made it to the Indian team in 1991, two years after Sachin's international debut, Kambli came up with the famous quip: ''He (Sachin) took the elevator, I went up the staircase!''

Sadly though, Kambli succumbed to temptations and lost his way while Sachin put his head down to carve a niche for himself.

Text: Anand Philar

Images: PTI, AP and AFP