Cricketer Yashpal Sharma, one of India's 1983 World Cup heroes, dies at 66

Former India batsman Yashpal Sharma, a member of India's World Cup-winning squad of 1983, died this morning of cardiac arrest. He was 66.

Sharma's fearless strokeplay was a key element in India's stunning success in the 1983 tournament in England. In the opening game against the defending champions, the West Indies, Sharma slammed 89 runs, helping India to an upset victory. His gutsy innings against England, in the semi-final, top-scoring for his team with 61 runs, helped India reach the final.

Sharma played 37 One-Day Internationals and 42 Test matches for India between 1978 and 1985, proving to be a handy middle-order batsman and sharp fielder. He later served as a national selector from 2003 to 2005 and again from 2008 to 2011.

Recently, Sharma was part of a team of consultants advising the actors on Kabir Khan's 83, a film about the 1983 World Cup triumph. The release of the film has been delayed by the lack of theatrical avenues in the COViD-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns. Sharma's role in the film is played by actor Jatin Sarna.

Sarna shared his anguish and expressed condolences on receiving news of the cricketer's passing. "This is not done sir," he wrote, "no, not fair and god, you too not fair. Yashpal sir can't believe, you cannot leave so soon."

Sarna's co-star, Ranveer Singh, who plays skipper Kapil Dev in the film, shared a quiet throwback image of Yashpal Sharma as his way of paying respects.

Coincidentally, Sharma shared a close connection with recently departed thespian Dilip Kumar, whom he addressed respectfully as Yusufbhai. Apparently, it was the star, an avid cricket follower, who had recommended the then upcoming player's case for a possible India cap.

Dilip Kumar (1922-2021), the name that meant actor

In an interview with the India TV channel, Sharma recalled, "He came to see a Ranji Trophy match in Punjab. Later, he met me and said he will recommend my name to someone. After a few weeks, I was playing for India." Dilip Kumar was reported to be so impressed by Sharma's batting in that game that he urged the late Raj Singh Dungarpur, then an India selector, to check out the young Punjab wicketkeeper-batsman.

Dilip Kumar died on 7 July.

Sharma's death has been mourned by friends, colleagues, and several others on social media. Former India cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, current team coach Ravi Shastri, once a colleague of Sharma in the India side, and well-known commentator Harsha Bhogle were among those who shared their condolences.

Sharma is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.