Kambli Amazed By Sachin's act

Vinod Kambli is surprised by childhood pal and batting star Sachin Tendulkar's decision to have his blood used on a page of his autobiography to be released in February next year.

Sachin Tendulkar's childhood friend Vinod Kambli was surprised that the batting maestro agreed to have his blood used on a page of a special, limited edition of his biography to be released in February, 2011.

"I am taken aback," said Kambli, after he was informed about Tendulkar's blood being used in the book.

"This is something you could have expected from a Vinod Kambli and not Sachin Tendulkar," he said.

The Guardian newspaper quoted publisher Kraken Media's chief executive Karl Fowler as saying, "The signature page will be mixed with Sachin's blood - mixed into the paper pulp so it's a red resin. It is what it is - you will have Sachin's blood on the page."

However, the London-based publishers did not elaborate on the blood aspect when contacted.

According to a report, only 10 copies of the Blood Edition will be printed and they are already sold. The proceeds will go to Tendulkar's charity foundation for a school to be built. "I am touched by Sachin's gesture. It is a very noble one for a great cause and I would like to help in any way possible," said Kambli.

"Talking about blood, you know, I have never seen Sachin shed blood," said Kambli, who was known to be one part of a mischievous pair. "I only watched on television how he got injured on his debut tour of Pakistan in 1989-90."

The 852-page special book reportedly weighs 37 kilos and measures half a metre square. It costs 49,000.

The publishers will print around 1,000 copies of another edition priced between 1,300 and 1,900. The height will be the same as the Blood Edition but will have 75% of previously unpublished material as well as his DNA profile. A smaller edition is being planned too and will cost between 130 and 190.

"From speeding balls to incessant travel, movement has been the only constant in my professional life," Tendulkar says in a press release.

"Seeing that captured in static images at such large scale and high quality is a real treat and makes this unique project all the more special. I can't think of a better way of displaying my life and career than in an Opus."

Tendulkar, who is Galle for the opening Test against Sri Lanka, was unavailable for comment.