Yashpal Sharma (centre) Was the backbone of India’s middle order in the 1983 World Cup
Former India batsman Yashpal Sharma, a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team, died on Tuesday at the age of 66, leaving his former champion teammates in disbelief.
“Our team is broken. We have lost the backbone of our team. He was the backbone of the middle-order. He was a simple man, very disciplined. He had neither a big vice nor a small vice. He was The fittest of all of us. Used to be particular about fitness, exercised regularly. Hard to believe he is no more,” said former Indian all-rounder Kirti Azad, his teammate in the 1983 World Cup told IANS.
Another of his 1983 World Cup teammate, all-rounder Madan Lal, is in a state of shock.
Before leaving for Sharma’s house, Lal told IANS: “I just heard the news. I am in a state of shock. I still can’t believe it. I can’t say anything at the moment.”
Fast bowler Balwinder Sandhu, who opened the bowling with skipper Kapil Dev in the tournament, was also in a state of disbelief.
“Absolutely shocking news. Never thought he would pass away. We met on June 25 (at the time of the release of a book). He seemed absolutely fine and fit and was happy to share his point. [two] Daughter’s achievements He was more concerned about my health, he asked me to lose weight,” Sandhu told IANS.
“I find it shocking that a lively man is not here with me. It hurts me so much that a member [1983 World Cup winning] The team has passed away,” Sandhu said.
The captain of that team broke down during a TV show on Kapil news channel ABP.
“I can’t accept it,” Kapil said in tears. “I love you Yash,” he said.
Kapil was in Mumbai and has reached Delhi for his last darshan.
The entire team, including Sharma, had gathered in Gurugram on June 25 last month for the release of a luxury limited-edition book opus that would capture India’s 1983 World Cup victory.
Sharma suffered a heart attack after returning from his morning walk and collapsed at around 7.30 am.
The right-handed batsman, who was the backbone of India’s middle order in the 1983 World Cup, played 37 Test matches, scoring 1606 runs and 883 runs in 42 ODIs. He also played 160 first-class matches representing Punjab, Haryana and Railways and scored 8933 runs.
But he is best remembered internationally for his performance in India’s first World Cup victory in 1983. He scored 240 runs at an average of 34.28 to return as the second highest scorer for India after captain Kapil Dev in the tournament.
Sharma top-scored with 89 (off 120 balls) to help India make 262/8 in their first match of the 1983 World Cup in a 34-run victory over West Indies. That win in Manchester is said to have given India the confidence to move on and win the tournament.
He also served as a match referee and umpire.
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