Former Indian Cricketer Yashpal Sharma, a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team, died on Tuesday due to massive cardiac arrest. He was an explosive middle-ordered batsman, represented India in 37 test matches and 42 one-day internationals.
He was a substantial member of Kapil Dev's World cup winning team. He was born in Ludhiana on August 11, 1954, was admired as a gutsy middle-ordered batsman who played during 1970s and 80's. He made his Test debut for India on the tour of England in 1979 and played the last of his 37 Tests in October 1983. In a glittering cricket career, he was India's second-highest run-getter at the 1983 world cup. He has left behind a great legacy. His invaluable contributions to Indian cricket can never be forgotten.
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He was 66 and is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. "Yes, Yashpal is no more with us. We just received the information from his family," a former India teammate of Yashpal confirmed this shocking incident. According to sources, Yashpal collapsed at home after returning from his morning walk here.
He was also a national selector during the early part of the 2000s. He was also an umpire and national selector from 2003 to 2006. He later served as the coach for the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team. He also made regular appearances on TV news channels as a cricket expert.
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar expressed shock at his teammate's demise. Vengaskar stated that “It is unbelievable. He was the fittest among all of us. I had asked him that day when we met how about his routine. He was a vegetarian, teetotaller, used to have soup for his dinner and very particular about his morning walks. I am just shocked.”
”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 that helped us save the game. I knew him since my university days. Still can’t believe it,” he added.