New Delhi: India’s cricket fraternity mourned the death of 1983 World Cup hero Yashpal Sharma, who passed away on Tuesday after suffering a massive cardiac arrest here. He was 66.
Sharma is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
He played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup triumph in 1983 by scoring 240 runs at an average of 34.28 including a match-winning 60 against England in the semi-finals at Old Trafford.
The former Punjab cricketer made his debut in 1979 and was regarded as a gifted middle-order batsman. In a career spanning from 1979 to 1983, Sharma played 37 Tests, scoring 1606 runs, and 42 ODIs in which he scored 883.
In Ranji Trophy, where he represented three teams — Punjab, Haryana and Railways –, Yashpal played 160 matches amassing 8,933 runs which included 21 centuries with the highest score of 201 not out.
He also remained India’s national cricket team selector from 2003 to 2006 and became a national selector again in 2008.
Tributes poured in for Sharma on social media with his 1983 World Cup members, past and present cricketers and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur among those offering condolences.
Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth, who along with the 1983 squad had met on the sidelines of a book launch here a couple of weeks ago, said he has lost a friend.
‘Sad to hear the demise of my former teammate and friend #YashpalSharma! He was one of the main heroes who helped us lifting the 1983 world cup! May his soul rest in peace,’ Srikkanth said in a tweet.
Offering his condolences, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur tweeted,”Saddened by the passing away of ace cricketer & 1983 World Cup-winning member Sh Yashpal Sharma. He had an illustrious career & was India’s second-highest run-getter at the 1983 World Cup. He was also an umpire and national selector. His contribution won’t be forgotten.”
Former India cricketers – Virendra Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Anil Kumble also took to Twitter to pay their homage.
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar also expressed his disbelief at his sudden death.
“Shocked and deeply pained by the demise of Yashpal Sharma ji. Have fond memories of watching him bat during the 1983 World Cup.
His contribution to Indian cricket shall always be remembered. My sincere condolences to the entire Sharma family,” Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah said Yashpal was a key contributor to India’s maiden World Cup triumph.
“Shocked and pained to learn about the sudden demise of Shri Yashpal Sharma. He will always be remembered for his knock of 89 runs against West Indies, which provided impetus to India’s world cup journey in 1983 and his overall contribution for #TeamIndia,” he wrote.
“Shocking to hear about the passing of Yashpal Sharma. One of the heroes of our first World Cup win. Condolences to his family and friends,” former skipper and leg-spinner Anil Kumble wrote.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag also expressed his sadness.
“So sorry to hear about #YashpalSharma Paaji ‘s passing away, one of the heroes of our 1983 WC win. Heartfelt condolences,” he tweeted.
Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh wrote: “Very sad news of the untimely demise of Yashpal Sharma paaji. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Former batsman VVS Laxman said he was “devastated” by the news.
“Devastating news of the passing of Yash Paaji. He was one of the hero’s of 1983 World Cup winning team and was a very affable person. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Thoughts and Prayers,” Laxman tweeted.
