In the world of cricket, wives and partners of famous players often remain in the shadows, their own stories untold. Noella Lewis, the first wife of former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, is one such woman whose life journey extends far beyond her connection to the explosive batsman who once dominated cricket pitches alongside Sachin Tendulkar.
A Chance Meeting at the Blue Diamond Hotel
Noella Lewis was working as a receptionist at the prestigious Blue Diamond Hotel in Pune when fate brought her into the path of one of India’s most promising young cricketers. Vinod Kambli, fresh from his spectacular performances on the international stage, met the beautiful Christian woman through a work contact at the hotel. It was the early 1990s, and Kambli was at the peak of his cricket career, having just made headlines with his remarkable batting displays for India.
The attraction was immediate. Noella, described by those who knew her as an attractive and gracious woman, quickly caught the attention of the Mumbai left-hander. Their courtship was swift, and what began as a professional encounter soon blossomed into romance.
The Wedding That Made Headlines
On a bright day in May 1994, Noella Lewis walked down the aisle at St Patrick’s Church in Pune to marry Vinod Kambli. The wedding was a grand affair, befitting a cricket star who had captured the nation’s imagination with his fearless batting style. Friends and family gathered to witness what seemed like a perfect match between the quiet, elegant hotel receptionist and the flamboyant cricketer.
At the time, Kambli was riding high on his cricket success. He had already established himself as one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket, capable of turning matches single-handedly. For Noella, marrying into cricket royalty meant stepping into a world of fame, media attention, and constant public scrutiny.
When Dreams Turned to Nightmares
However, like many fairy tale beginnings, the reality of married life proved more challenging than expected. As Kambli’s international cricket career began to falter, personal problems started to surface. The cricketer’s struggle with alcohol became increasingly apparent, casting a dark shadow over their marriage.
The pressures of professional sport, combined with the decline in his cricket fortunes, took a heavy toll on Kambli. Reports suggest that his drinking problem emerged shortly after their wedding, creating tension in what should have been their honeymoon period as a married couple.
Rumours and Speculation
Adding to their marital woes were persistent rumours about Kambli’s alleged affairs. Whispers in cricket circles suggested that the batsman may have been involved with several women even after his marriage to Noella Lewis. While the exact details remain unclear, these allegations undoubtedly put additional strain on their relationship.
Noella, who had entered marriage with hopes of a stable and loving partnership, found herself dealing with challenges that no young bride should have to face. The combination of her husband’s alcohol addiction, his declining cricket career, and the constant speculation about his personal life created an almost impossible situation.
The End of a Marriage
After about five years of marriage, Noella Lewis and Vinod Kambli decided to part ways. Their divorce became final in the late 1990s, ending what had begun with such promise and hope. The breakdown of their marriage coincided with the darkest period of Kambli’s cricket career, as he struggled to regain his place in the Indian team.
For Noella, the divorce meant stepping away from the cricket spotlight that had defined much of her adult life. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives who remain in the public eye, she chose a different path, focusing on rebuilding her life away from media attention.
Life After Cricket
Following her divorce from Kambli, Noella Lewis demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to create a meaningful life for herself. She returned to Pune, where she had first met her famous husband, but this time with a different purpose.
Today, Noella works with the Prison Reforms (Government of India), contributing to important social work that helps rehabilitate and support those in the correctional system. Her role represents a significant shift from her earlier life as a hotel receptionist and cricket wife to someone making a real difference in society.
She has also become actively involved with the Pune Christian Cemetery Society, where she contributes to community efforts and helps maintain important cultural and religious traditions. This work reflects her deep connection to her Christian faith and her desire to serve her community.
Additionally, Noella has entered the events management industry, working with Ladybird Events to organise various functions and celebrations. This career choice allows her to use her organisational skills and experience in hospitality, drawing on her background in the hotel industry.
Kambli’s Second Marriage
While Noella was rebuilding her life, Vinod Kambli found love again with Andrea Hewitt, a successful fashion model who was already a well-known face on the Page-3 circuit. Andrea had appeared in famous magazines and on large billboards across major cities before she met Kambli around 2000.
After a six-year relationship, Vinod and Andrea married in 2006. Andrea has stood by her husband through his various struggles, including his ongoing health issues and battles with alcohol. However, even this marriage has faced challenges, with Andrea filing a domestic violence complaint against Kambli in February 2023, alleging that he threw a cooking pan at her during an argument, causing serious injury to her head.
Noella Lewis- A Woman of Quiet Strength
What emerges from Noella Lewis’s story is the portrait of a woman who has shown remarkable strength in the face of adversity. Rather than allowing her difficult marriage and divorce to define her, she has channelled her experiences into meaningful work that benefits society.
Her choice to work with prisoners and contribute to community development shows a woman who understands struggle and wants to help others overcome their challenges. This path suggests that her own experiences with disappointment and hardship have given her empathy and wisdom that she now uses to help others.
The Broader Context
Noella’s story also reflects the often-overlooked experiences of women who marry into the world of professional sports. The pressures, expectations, and challenges that come with being married to a high-profile athlete can be overwhelming, particularly when personal problems arise.
Her decision to maintain privacy and dignity throughout her ordeal, and her subsequent choice to focus on meaningful work rather than seeking publicity, speaks to her character and values. In an age where many people seek fame and attention, Noella has chosen a different path of quiet service and personal growth.
Moving Forward
Today, Noella Lewis continues her work in Pune, far from the cricket stadiums where she once watched her husband play. Her life represents a journey from the glamour of cricket celebrity to the genuine satisfaction of social service. While Vinod Kambli’s cricket achievements and personal struggles continue to make headlines, Noella has found her own way to make a positive impact on the world.
Her story serves as a reminder that behind every public figure are real people dealing with real challenges. It also demonstrates that it’s possible to emerge from difficult circumstances with grace and purpose, using personal experiences to help others and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
As Vinod Kambli continues to face health challenges and public scrutiny, Noella Lewis represents the road not taken – a path of quiet dignity, social contribution, and personal redemption that offers hope and inspiration to anyone facing their own struggles in life.