Yashpal Sharma, former Indian cricketer and member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, passed away at the age of 66 after suffering a cardiac arrest on Tuesday.
Sharma is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. His gutsy attitude against the fiercest of oppositions endeared him to his teammates and made him a key asset for the Indian cricket team. He donned Team India jersey in 37 ODIs and 42 Tests and was a crucial part of the middle-order from 1979-83.
Sharma was also a part of the selection committee when India won the 2011 World Cup on home soil.
Meanwhile, the cricket fraternity led by the likes of Kris Srikkanth, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag condoled the death of the former India cricketer on social media.
Yashpal’s former teammate Srikkanth wrote: “Sad to hear the demise of my former teammate and friend #YashpalSharma! He was one of the main heroes who helped us lifting the 1983 world cup! May his soul rest in peace.”
Sad to hear the demise of my former team mate and friend #YashpalSharma! He was one of the main heroes who helped us lifting the 1983 world cup! May his soul rest in peace 🙏!
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) July 13, 2021
Tendulkar said he was “shocked and pained” by the news.
“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,” tweeted Tendulkar.
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. pic.twitter.com/WBQ6ng2x8I
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 13, 2021
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
“So sorry to hear about #YashpalSharma Paaji ‘s passing away, one of the heroes of our 1983 WC win. Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti,” wrote Sehwag.
Other cricketers too took to Twitter to pay their tributes to Yashpal Sharma.
Heartbreaking to learn about the passing away of 1983 World Cup winner #YashpalSharma .
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Pray that his soul attain Sadgati. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/Cz0URjCTjY— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) July 13, 2021
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 to hear of the passing of #YashpalSharma ji. An Indian cricket hero and a part of the legendary 1983 World Cup winning squad. My condolences to his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Ry7z9miPsB
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 13, 2021
Saddened by the demise of our 1983 World Cup hero, Yashpal Sharma. His passing away has come as a major shock to the cricketing fraternity. May his soul rest in peace🙏
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) July 13, 2021
Shocked and really saddened to hear the passing of #YashpalSharma ji. He will always be an inspiration to many!! My condolences to his family & loved ones.
Rest in peace! Om shanti! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/leT7kXaeRt
— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) July 13, 2021
Very sad news of the untimely demise of Yashpal Sharma paaji. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family and loved ones 🙏🏻 #YashpalSharma
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 13, 2021
Sad to hear the news of yashpal Sharma ..had the opportunity to work with him as captain,player and then on TV .A very important part of 1983 win which showed young players like us dream of trophies..RIP🙏
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) July 13, 2021
Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Yashpal paaji. A wonderful batsman and fielder, he was in the fabled 1983 World Cup team. I was fortunate to play a few ODI’s and many matches for State Bank of India with him. May his soul find eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/cjGjsqrFg1
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) July 13, 2021
Really heartbreaking to know that Yashpal paaji is no more. May God give his loved ones strength to cope with this loss. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tDZwzwSilu
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 13, 2021
Shocking and saddening to hear the news of Yash paaji.. Only a few days ago I saw him on TV with the winning 1983 team.. May his soul merge with light and attain Sadgati..you never know when’s the last goodbye.. Heartfelt condolences
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) July 13, 2021
These couple of years have been very taxing for everyone. Today was no different, saddened by the passing away of #YashpalSharma sir. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. #OmShanti
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) July 13, 2021
RIP #YashpalSharma sir. Your contributions both on and off the field would be dearly missed. Condolences to his family.🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/LlhZVUVrPS
— Punam Raut (@raut_punam) July 13, 2021
Heartbreaking news of the passing of Yash paji…sending sincere condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers. R.I.P.
Om Shanti 🙌— Wear a Mask. Stay Safe, India (@cricketaakash) July 13, 2021
Sad to learn about the demise of #YashpalSharma ji, one of the heroes of our 1983 world cup triumph. Have fond memories of him and a real gentleman. Rest in peace! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/q1FOv8TZrW
— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) July 13, 2021