New Delhi, Oct 6 : Clad in trendy western clothes, cricketer-turned-actor Vinod Kambli does not fit the mould of an Indian politician. Kambli, though, is more than convinced that his call of "vote for change" would win over the masses in Vikhroli constituency in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

As Kambli gets ready for his third innings -- now as a politician, Kambli is banking on youth and women to earn his votes.

"I have served my country for so many years by playing cricket. Now that I have retired, I thought of serving my people. They (the people) have really loved me so much that I decided to come into politics and pay back," Kambli told IANS like a seasoned politician.

As you call Kambli, his caller tune summarises his attitude. A song from a Hindi movie, it says: "Koi zero yahan, koi hero yahan... mai kaun hun tumse mai kya kahun... I am the best (Somebody is zero here and somebody a hero. What shall I tell you about myself. I am the best)."

"This is my message to my competitors," quips Kambli.

With sports, education and health high on his agenda, Kambli is canvassing to strike a chord with the youth. His travelling by a local train from Sion to Vikhroli to file his nomination papers along with his supporters is a testimony to his style to connect with the people.

"I came in politics to help poor people. My first aim is to start a sports academy for poor people. I want to share whatever cricket has given me. I have seen the youngsters suffering and not getting an opportunity. I want to give them what they deserve," said the former Test batsman.

The cricketer also defends his decision to choose the Lok Bharati Party as his launching pad.

"During Lok Sabha elections I was offered tickets from bigger places by big parties. But my thinking is completely different. I wanted to help the poor people so I joined Lok Bharati Party formed by teachers. I have seen their work and was touched by it," he added.

Born in the chawls of Mumbai, Kambli went on to become a cricketing star before fading away. Today he is using that background to know people's problems.

"People who have been ruling for the last 10 years, have promised so many things but there is a scarcity for even water. Other problems are the hospitals and the drainage system. People are looking for a change," Kambli said.(IANS)