Former India cricketer and a member of 1983 World Cup-winning squad Yashpal Sharma passed away on Tuesday due to cardiac arrest at the age of 66. He is survived by his wife Renu Sharma, two daughters, and a son.
Born in Ludhiana on August 11, 1954, Sharma was regarded as one of the finest middle-order batsmen. After making his international debut in 1979 against England, Sharma played 37 Tests for India, scoring 1606 runs with two centuries and nine fifties.
He made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1978. He had represented India in 42 One Day Internationals in which he scored 883 runs. He was known for his stroke-filled half-century in the semifinal against England in the 1983 campaign at Old Trafford will forever be etched in the public memory.
The fans and people from the cricket fraternity took to Twitter to offer condolences to Yashpal Sharma’s family. Here are some of the reactions.
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
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
Yashpal Sharma played his last game in international cricket in 1985 during the West Indies tour of India. He was also a national selector during the early 2000s.
