Former Indian cricketer Yashpal Sharma, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, passed away due to cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning. According to sources, Yashpal collapsed at home after returning from his morning walk. He was 66 and is survived by his wife Renu Sharma, two daughters Puja, Preeti and son Chirag Sharma.
The 66-year-old former Punjab cricketer was born in Ludhiana on August 11, 1954. A middle order batsman, Yashpal Sharma represented India in 37 Test matches, scoring 1,606 runs, and 42 one-day internationals in which he made 883. His last Test for India was against the mighty West Indians soon after the famous 1983 World Cup triumph.
Yashpal Sharma was an important member of Kapil Dev‘s side that won the World Cup in England in 1983. He was India’s second highest scorer behind Kapil Dev in the tournament, piling up 240 runs in 8 innings with two half centuries to his kitty. He was known for his gutsy attitude and his stroke-filled half-century in the semifinal against England in the 1983 campaign at the Old Trafford.
In Ranji Trophy, where he represented three teams — Punjab, Haryana and Railways — Yashpal Sharma played 160 matches amassing 8,933 runs which included 21 centuries with a highest score of 201 not out.
He was an umpire too and stood in a couple of women’s ODIs. The multi-faceted former player also served as coach of the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team.
He was also a national selector during early part of 2000s. Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar expressed shock at his teammate’s demise. “It is unbelievable. He was the fittest among all of us. As a player, he was a proper team man and a fighter. I fondly remember the 1979 Test against Pakistan in Delhi. We both had a partnership which helped us save the game. I knew him since my university days. Still can’t believe it.”
Yashpal’s character will be portrayed by Sacred Games-famed actor Jatin Sharma in upcoming movie ’83, which plays tribute to the 1983-winning World Cup team.
