Sports: The Indian Cricket Fraternity on Tuesday mourned the loss of 1983 World Cup hero Yashpal Sharma. Sharma, 66, died of cardiac arrest at his residence in Noida at 7:30 am.
A right-handed middle-order batter, Sharma played 37 Tests, scoring 1606 runs and 42 ODIs, scoring 883 runs between 1978 and 1985.Captain of the1983 team Kapil Dev broke down on the news of the demise of the former batsman.
Tributes poured on social media with sports minister and former BCCI President Anurag Thakur among those offering condolences. “Saddened by the passing away of ace cricketer & 1983 World Cup-winning member Shri Yashpal Sharma,” Thakur wrote on his Twitter handle.
PM Modi also took to his Twitter handle to pay tribute to the legendary batsman. “Shri Yashpal Sharma Ji was a much beloved member of the Indian cricket team, including the legendary 1983 squad. He was an inspiration for teammates, fans as well as budding cricketers. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi tweeted.
Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar also took to his Twitter handle and extended condolences to the Sharma Family. “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. My sincere condolences to the entire Sharma family,” Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.