Former India batter Yashpal Sharma passes away
Yashpal, 66, suffered a cardiac arrest.
He represented his nation in 37 Tests and 42 ODIs, scoring two centuries and 13 fifties for India between 1978 and 1985.
Having made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1978, the right-hander was given his first Test cap against England at Lord’s. Five years later, he would win the Cricket World Cup with India at the same venue.
That glorious campaign stands as his greatest achievement on the cricket field, having played a starring role in India’s road to the trophy. He was the team’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, making 240 at 29.62, including scores of 89 in India’s surprise win over West Indies in their opening match, and 61 in the semi-final against England.
A solid middle-order batter who was quick between the wickets, Yashpal played 160 first-class matches, scoring 8933 runs at 44.88, with a high score of 201 not out and 21 centuries.
In retirement, he went on to serve as a national selector.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters and son.
After his demise, many prominent cricketers, past and present, paid tribute to Yashpal on social media.
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.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to the entire Sharma family. pic.twitter.com/WBQ6ng2x8I
So sorry to hear about #YashpalSharma Paaji 's passing away, one of the heroes of our 1983 WC win. Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/Toh3wLHNAw
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 13, 2021
Heartbreaking to learn about the passing away of 1983 World Cup winner #YashpalSharma .
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) July 13, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Pray that his soul attain Sadgati. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/Cz0URjCTjY
Really saddened and shocked at losing a colleague of World Cup fame so early in life. Condolences to the family and God bless his soul 🙏🏻 #YashpalSharma pic.twitter.com/jVkHEyRWfP
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 13, 2021
Saddened by the demise of ace cricketer Yashpal Sharma ji. My condolences to his family & loved ones. #YashpalSharma
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 13, 2021
Shocked and really saddened to hear the passing of #YashpalSharma ji. He will always be an inspiration to many!! My condolences to his family & loved ones.
— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) July 13, 2021
Rest in peace! Om shanti! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/leT7kXaeRt
Very sad to hear about Yashpal sharma (yash paji )one of our 1983 World Cup hero is no more
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) July 13, 2021
Condolences to family and friends 🙏🙏🙏 OM SHANTI
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. Om Shanti🙏 pic.twitter.com/k4EB3fz0fU
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 13, 2021
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.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) July 13, 2021