Anil Datt

Ludhiana, July 13

The news of former Indian cricketer from Ludhiana, Yashpal Sharma’s death came as shock to sports lovers here. City cricketers Satish Mangal and Arun Passi, who had played along with Yashpal, were short of words to express their grief over the untimely death of their former teammate.

Satish and Arun who played for Punjab team under Yashpal Sharma were shocked to learn demise of one of the heroes of India’s World Cup triumph in 1983.

Yashpal died of cardiac arrest this morning at his residence in New Delhi. He is survived by wife, two daughters and a son.

Yashpal (66) was born on August 11, 1954. He studied here at Arya Senior Secondary School, Sabzi Mandi, and then at the SCD Government College for Boys. He played cricket during 1970s and 80s.

He played Ranji Trophy for Punjab, Haryana and Railways. He gave a stupendous performance in the domestic cricket.

He got recruited as a probationary officer in the State Bank of India on the basis of his outstanding achievement. However, he resigned from the bank as senior manager so that he could concentrate towards the development of cricket.

Yash hogged limelight when he scored 173 runs in the Duleep Trophy to help North Zone emerge victorius against the South Zone that had spin trio of Chandersekhar, Venkataraghavan and Erapalli Prasanna.

Yashpal donned national colour when he made Test debut against England in 1979 and went on to play 37 matches between1979-83. He played his last Test in 1983 against West Indies.

He also represented India in 43 ODIs and played a pivotal role, emerging second highest run getter in the 1983 World Cup wherein India stunned the mighty West Indies to record title victory. Yashpal scored match-winning 60 runs in semi-finals against England.

Yashpal, former national selector, commentator and panel expert used to visit Ludhiana at regular intervals.

“I talked to Yash bhaji over phone only last night. He appeared fit and fine as usual. It was unbelievable that he was no more,” said Arun Passi.

Expressing grief over Yashpal’s demise, Satish Mangal said he was known for his politeness and gutsy attitude. He was a multi-faceted being a fine middle order batsman of substance, an agile fielder, national selector, umpire and coach as well, said Satish.

Satish, Arun and Vinod Chitkara, former honorary general secretary, LDCA, mourned the death of former international cricketer from Ludhiana and conveyed condolences to the aggrieved family.

Pall of gloom descends on his Ram Nagar house

Cricket fans, family friends and relatives descended on Yashpal Sharma’s house at Ram Nagar, Civil Lines near Lakkar Bridge. His elder brother Bal Krishan Sharma along with other family members remained busy throughout day to attend the visitors. He was unable to come to terms when any mourner recalled Yashpal’s association with the city and how he worked hard to carve a niche for himself and brought fame to the family as well as the country.

another report on p2