Former cricketer Yashpal Sharma, who played a key role in making the Indian team the world champion in 1983, passed away on Tuesday due to heart attack at the age of 66. Sports fraternity have expressed shock and grief over the death of the star cricketer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah too condoled the demise of former India cricketer Yashpal Sharma.
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PM Modi termed Yashpal an "inspiration" for teammates, fans and said he is "anguished" by the passing away of the former cricketer.
"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," PM Modi tweeted.
The right-handed batsman played a key role in India's 1983 World Cup win. He was the second-highest run-getter in the 1983 World Cup for India.
Union Minister Amit Shah said Yashpal's demise is a great loss to the cricketing world.
"Yashpal Sharma was a great player of cricket who contributed significantly to India's historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. His thrilling innings will always be in our memory. His death is a great loss to the cricketing world. My condolences to his family and supporters. peace," Amit Shah tweeted in Hindi.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also mourned the demise of the cricketer.
"Being a son of the soil, Sharma would always be remembered by one and all especially Punjabis as a fine batsman besides National Selector of Indian cricket team," added Captain Amarinder Singh.