The former captain of the Indian cricket team, Kapil Dev couldn’t hold back his tears after he heard about the death of his teammate during the 1983 World Cup winning team.
Tuesday morning, Yashpal Sharma died due to massive cardiac arrest. According to a media agency, Yashpal returned from his morning walk and collapsed.
Kapil Dev broke down while talking to a news channel and said, “I still cannot believe that this (news of Yashpal passing away) is true. We met last week and he looked quite healthy to me. Can’t fight what God has decided.”
Also Read: Yashpal Sharma, India's 1983 World Cup Hero, dies of cardiac arrest
Yashpal played a crucial role in India’s win in the 1983 World Cup. In a glittering cricket career, he was India's second-highest run-getter at the 1983 world cup. He made his Test debut for India on the tour of England in 1979 and played the last of his 37 Tests in October 1983. He was also a national selector during the early part of the 2000s. He was also an umpire and national selector from 2003 to 2006. He later served as the coach for the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team. He also made regular appearances on TV news channels as a cricket expert.
Tributes are pouring in from all around the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “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.”
Former cricketer and “god” of cricket also expressed his shock and tweeted, “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.”
Virendra Sehwag tweeted, “So sorry to hear about #YashpalSharma Paaji 's passing away, one of the heroes of our 1983 WC wins. Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti.”
Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “Oh dear, so sorry to hear of the death of Yashpal Sharma who played such a big part in one of Indian cricket's most glorious hours World Cup1983. Too early to go. Condolences to his family.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took Twitter to pay tribute to former cricketers and wrote, “Shocked to hear about the passing of cricketer Yashpal Sharma. His energy & marvelous contribution in the 1983 World Cup will be remembered by all. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.”