Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the Indian cricket fraternity on Tuesday mourned 1983 World Cup winner Yashpal Sharma. The former middle-order batsman died of a cardiac arrest in New Delhi. PM Modi took to Twitter to pay a glowing tribute to Yashpal Sharma. The Prime Minister said he was “anguished by his passing away” and extended his condolences to Yashpal Sharma’s family. “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,” PM Modi tweeted.
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
Meanwhile, the cricket fraternity led by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh also condoled the death of the former India cricketer on social media.
Yashpal’s former team-mate Kris Srikkanth wrote ,”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.”
Sad to hear the demise of my former team mate and friend #YashpalSharma! He was one of the main heroes who helped us lifting the 1983 world cup! May his soul rest in peace 🙏!
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) July 13, 2021
Sachin Tendulkar said he was “shocked and pained” by the news.
“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,” wrote Tendulkar.
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. pic.twitter.com/WBQ6ng2x8I
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 13, 2021
“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,” wrote BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
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
Yashpal Sharma, 66, is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. Yashpal’s gutsy attitude against the fiercest of oppositions made endeared him to his teammates and made him a key asset for the Indian team.
Yashpal played 37 Tests for Team India during his career, where he scored 1,606 runs at an average of 33.46.
He also represented India in 42 ODIs, scoring 883 runs at 28.48. He registered two international centuries.
Yashpal’s most memorable innings came during the victorious 1983 World Cup campaign. In the opening game itself he bagged the player-of-the-match against the West Indies for his terrific knock of 89.
He also played a key role in India’s six-wicket win in the semi-finals against England, scoring 61 runs.
