Teammates shocked at Yashpal Sharma's death, say we have lost the backbone
“Our team has been broken. We have lost the backbone of our team. He was the backbone of the middle-order. He was a simple man, very disciplined. He had neither a major vice, nor a minor vice. He was the fittest of us all. Used to be particular about fitness, would exercise regularly. Hard to believe he is no more,” said former India all-rounder Kirti Azad, his teammate in the 1983 World Cup, to IANS.
Another 1983 World Cup teammate of his, all-rounder Madan Lal, is in a state of shock.
“I have just heard the news. I am in a state of shock. I still can’t believe it. I can’t say anything at the moment,” said Lal to IANS before rushing to Sharma’s home.
Pace bowler Balwinder Sandhu, who opened the bowling with skipper Kapil Dev in the tournament, was also in a state of disbelief.
“Absolutely shocking news. Never thought he would pass away. We had met on June 25 (at the launch of a book). He looked absolutely fine and fit and was happy to share his [two] daughters’ achievements. He was more worried about my health, asked me to reduce weight,” said Sandhu to IANS.
