Yashpal Sharma

Gulf Today Report

India on Tuesday mourned  the death of Yashpal Sharma, whose heroics in the 1983 Cricket World Cup semi-finals led the nation to the finals of the mega-event, which India eventually won. Yashpal died of a heart attack at the age of 66.

During his 7-year-long career as a middle-order batter Yashpal played 37 Tests and 42 one-day internationals.

In 1983 World Cup after skipper Kapil Dev, he was second-highest run-getter for India.

His 89 runs against Windies in the group stages and 61 runs against England in the semi-finals against England proved crucial and helped India to create history in the world of cricket.India defeated West Indies in the final at Lord's.

Yashpal was involved in coaching and commentary after his retirement.

Cricket fraternity, politicians and celebrities flooded social media to pay their tributes to the legend.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to cricket great Sharma.

He said on Twitter, “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.”

Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to pay his tributes to Yashpal.

Sachin tweeted that he was shocked and deeply pained by the demise of Yashpal  and has fond memories of watching him bat during the 1983 World Cup.

Sachin further said  that Yashpal Sharma’s contribution to Indian cricket shall always be remembered.

The BCCI secretaryJay Shah said “Yashpal will always be remembered for his knock of 89 runs against West Indies, which provided impetus to India's World Cup journey in 1983."