Former teammates mourn Yashpal’s death

New Delhi, July 13

India’s cricket fraternity was in shock and disbelief as it mourned the death of 1983 World Cup hero Yashpal Sharma today, paying glowing tributes to the former batsman with his teammates from that historic triumph breaking down while remembering him.

Shocking

So sorry to hear about #YashpalSharma Paaji’s passing away, one of the heroes of our 1983 WC win. Heartfelt condolences – Virender Sehwag

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 – Yuvraj Singh

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Shocking to hear about the passing of Yashpal sharma. One of the heroes of our first World Cup win –  Anil Kumble

Yashpal, a former middle-order batsman, died today after suffering a massive cardiac arrest here. He was 66 and is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

Kapil Dev, captain of the 1983 team, broke down when PTI contacted him and could only say, “I won’t be able to speak.”

The 1983 squad had met on the sidelines of a book launch here a couple of weeks ago.

“It is unbelievable. He was the fittest among all of us. I had asked him that day about his routine. He was a vegetarian, teetotaller, used to have soup for his dinner and very particular about his morning walks. I am just shocked,” former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar said.

Former spinner Balwinder Singh Sandhu, who was a part of that team, said he is heartbroken. Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth said he has lost a friend. — PTI