Sharma was the second-highest base runner for the Indian team in the 1983 cricket championship, second only to captain Kapil Dev.

Cricket authorities stated that Yashpal Sharma was a member of the Indian team that won the 1983 World Cup. He died of a heart attack at the age of 66.

Sharma played a key role in India’s first World Cup victory, which triggered the rise of cricket in South Asia. Between 1979 and 1985, he participated in 37 tests and 42 one-day international competitions as an intermediate batsman.

In the 1983 championship, Sharma was the second-highest base runner in the Indian team, second only to captain Kapil Dev. He scored 89 points in the first round against the West Indies and 61 points in the semifinals against England.

India defeated the two-time champion West Indies in Lord’s final.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Narendra Modi) said in his condolences tweet that Sharma was a member of India’s “legendary 1983 team” and “an inspiration to his teammates”.

Shri Yashpal Sharma Ji is a beloved member of the Indian cricket team, including the legendary 1983 team. He is a source of inspiration for teammates, fans and budding cricket players. Distressed for his death. Express condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2021

“I am shocked and painful at the death of Yashpal Sharma-ji. I have fond memories of watching him hit the ball during the 1983 World Cup,” the great batsman Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

“His contribution to Indian cricket will always be remembered.”

Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that Yashpal Sharma has passed away, he played such an important role in one of the most glorious moments of Indian cricket #WorldCup1983. Went too early. Express condolences to his family.

-Harsha Bhogle (hobhogleharsha) July 13, 2021

Sharma made his debut in England in 1979.

After retiring, Sharma continued to be involved in coaching, commentary and cricket management, including serving as a national selector twice.

Jay Shah, secretary of the Indian Cricket Control Board, said that Sharma “will always remember his 89 games against the West Indies, which provided the impetus for India’s 1983 World Cup tour.”