India’s cricket fraternity was in shock and disbelief because it mourned the death of 1983 World Cup hero Yashpal Sharma on Tuesday (July 13), paying glowing tributes to the previous batsman along with his teammates from that historic triumph breaking down whereas remembering him. Yashpal, a former middle-order batsman, died on Tuesday after struggling a large cardiac arrest right here. He was 66 and is survived by his spouse, two daughters and a son.
Captain of the 1983 crew Kapil Dev broke down when information company PTI contacted him and will solely say, “I won’t be able to speak.”
Yashpal’s different teammates had been as shocked. The 1983 squad had met on the sidelines of a guide launch right here a few weeks in the past. Former spinner Balwinder Singh Sandhu, who was part of that crew, mentioned he’s heartbroken in a choked voice.
“Shocking, this is the worst news that I have received. It is like … 83 team is like a family, one of our family members is no more, it is so shocking,” Sandhu mentioned.
Kirti Azad, one other member of the 1983 crew, additionally paid glowing tributes to his former teammate. “He told me that day we met that I had lost weight. We had a great reunion. I remember the very first game in the 1983 world Cup playing the mighty Windies with that quartet of fast bowlers, he set the agenda and we won that game,” he mentioned.
“He was again fantastic in the semifinal, hitting Bob Willis for a six.”
Tributes poured in for Yashpal on social media too with sports activities minister and former BCCI President Anurag Thakur amongst these providing condolences. “Saddened by the passing away of ace cricketer & 1983 World Cup winning member Sh Yashpal Sharma,” Thakur wrote on his twitter deal with.
“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.”
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar additionally expressed his disbelief on the death. “Shocked and deeply pained by the demise of Yashpal Sharma ji. Have fond recollections of watching him bat throughout 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 deal with.
Shocked and deeply pained by the demise of Yashpal Sharma ji. Have fond recollections of watching him bat throughout the 1983 World Cup. His contribution to Indian cricket shall all the time be remembered.
My honest condolences to your complete Sharma household. pic.twitter.com/WBQ6ng2x8I
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 13, 2021
BCCI secretary Jay Shah mentioned 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.
Former India cricketers took to the micro-blogging website to pay their homage. “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.
Shocking to listen to in regards to the passing of Yashpal sharma. One of the heroes of our first World Cup win. Condolences to his household and pals.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) July 13, 2021
Former India opener Virender Sehwag additionally expressed his unhappiness. “So sorry to hear about #YashpalSharma Paaji’s passing away, one of the heroes of our 1983 WC win. Heartfelt condolences,” he tweeted.
So sorry to listen to about #YashpalSharma Paaji ‘s passing away, one of many heroes of our 1983 WC win. Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/Toh3wLHNAw
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 13, 2021
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.”
Very unhappy information of the premature demise of Yashpal Sharma paaji. May his soul relaxation in peace. My condolences to his household and family members #YashpalSharma
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 13, 2021
Former seamer Irfan Pathan wrote: “Shocked to hear about the passing away of a World Cup winner, Yashpal Sharma ji ! He served as an Indian selector too. Condolences to his family.”
In his worldwide profession, Yashpal, who was additionally a nationwide selector throughout early a part of 2000s, performed 37 Tests, scoring 1606 runs, and 42 ODIs by which he made 883. He additionally picked up one wicket every within the two codecs to his credit score.
(with PTI inputs)
