Vinod Kambli said that only Sachin Tendulkar can give the reason for not keeping in touch with him (Express Archive)

As Sachin Tendulkar was throwing a post-retirement party on Monday for his friends and teammates, including former players, one name absent from the list of nearly 450 invitees was old friend Vinod Kambli

This wasn't an oversight, and Kambli confirmed that it had been seven years since they had spoken to each other. "Your question to me is whether Sachin and I are on talking terms. The answer is 'no'. We haven't been talking for the last seven years, but on occasions we do wish each other via text," Kambli told The Indian Express.

Kambli said that only Tendulkar can give the reason for not keeping in touch with his former Sharadashram mate.

"A lot of people and our fans are asking me as to why he didn't mention my name in his farewell speech and why wasn't I invited for the party, which close friends and associates who played an important role in his career were a part of," he said.

In his speech at the Wankhede, Tendulkar thanked his friends but didn't name anyone in particular.

Kambli said he was hurt because Tendulkar didn't mention his name in the farewell speech.

"Him not mentioning me in his farewell speech or not giving me an invitation though I've been a part of his life since he was 10 years old. Yes, I won't deny the fact that it did hurt me a lot because he forgot to mention that. The world record partnership was a turning point of our career, without each other's contribution, I wouldn't be who I am, and he wouldn't be our great legend," Kambli said.

"But still it won't make my love less for him in any way, irrespective of whether he considers me his friend or not... There are too many precious memories to cherish and remember throughout life," Kambli added.

However, Kambli believes that a patch-up is unlikely to happen soon. "I don't see a reunion happening between us anytime soon, however, when he does decide to call me, I will always be there for him."

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