Yashpal Sharma, India’s 1983 World Cup winner, passed away on Tuesday after having a heart attack. He was renowned as a fearless middle-order batsman at the apex of his skills. He was 66 years old and leaves behind a wife, a son, and two daughters.
1983 World Cup Winner Yashpal Sharma | Image Credit: Shovon
“Yashpal is no longer among us. We only recently heard of his death from his family”
Yashpal’s former teammate verified the news.
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Yashpal fell at the house after returning from his morning walk as per sources. Yashpal scored 1,606 runs in 37 Tests and 883 runs in 42 ODIs during his international career.
Cricketer Yashpal Sharma | Image Credit: Shikhar Dhawan
Dilip Vengsarkar, a former Indian team captain, displayed his grief at his teammate’s death, said-
“He had a team spirit and he plays like a warrior. The 1979 Test against Pakistan in Delhi is one of my favourite memories. We had a partnership that empowered us to save the match. I’ve known him since I was in university. I still can’t actually believe what I’m hearing.”
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He was acknowledged for his aggression, and his shot half-century against England in the 1983 World Cup semi-final at Old Trafford will dwell on in the minds of cricket fans forever. In the early 2000s, he was a national selector. Yashpal managed to play 160 Ranji Trophy matches for three teams, Punjab, Haryana, and Railways totaling 8,933 runs, comprising 21 centuries and a top score of 201 not out.
Yashpal Sharma at the time of 1983 World Cup | Image Credit: ICC
One of the teammates and former cricketer Kirti Azad said-
“He stated to me that I had lost some weight on the day we met. We had a fantastic time reuniting. I actually remember playing the powerful West Indies with those fast bowlers in the opening game of the 1983 World Cup, and he set the stage, and we won that match “
Kirti also insisted that he will never forget the way Yashpal flicked Bob Willis for a six in the match and top-scored in the win against the hosts.
Former Cricketer #YashpalSharma passes away due to cardiac arrest who was part of 1983 World Cup-winning squad.
His innings against England in 1983 world cup semifinal helped Indian win. RIP
यशपाल शर्मा pic.twitter.com/mW5sqOqFhe— ABHISHEK KUMAR (@tweet_abhi1989) July 13, 2021
He was also an umpire, having served in a few of women’s One-Day Internationals.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who condoled his demise
Shri Yashpal Sharma Ji was a much beloved member of the Indian cricket team, including the legendary 1983 squad. He was an inspiration for teammates, fans as well as budding cricketers. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2021
President Ram Nath Kovind mourned the loss of the former cricketer as he tweeted
Sad to hear about the demise of cricketer Yashpal Sharma. His remarkable performances during the key matches in 1983 cricket World-Cup played a crucial role in one of India’s greatest triumphs in cricketing history. My deepest condolences to his family, followers & team members.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 13, 2021
