PAYING rich tributes to former India middle-order batsman Yashpal Sharma, who left for heavenly abode on Tuesday, city’s former Vidarbha Ranji Trophy players Vikas Shesh and Madan Kaore, who had chance of playing under his captaincy, remembered the gritty player as a thorough gentleman. Sharma, who was a member of the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 World Cup, died after suffering a heart attack during his morning walk in hometown Delhi. “I really felt sad when I heard the news of his demise this morning,” was Shesh’s first reaction when ‘The Hitavada’ contacted him. Shesh played for two years with and under Sharma in the Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup Tournament that used to be held in Hyderabad. Sharma, Shesh and Kaore were part of the All India State Bank of India (SBI) team. “I have some fond memories of the Indian batsman. First and foremost, Sharma was a thorough gentleman.

 

A typical north Indian happy go lucky guy who never differentiated between juniors and seniors and treated all well,” said Shesh who was a medium pacer all-rounder and represented Vidarbha in eleven Ranji Trophy games with moderate success. Recalling an incident in one of the matches he played with Sharma, Shesh said, “To be honest, I don’t remember the opponents but there was one match in which we had to chase some 260-odd runs in 45 overs. We lost three wickets quickly (3-45) and Sharma and Roger Binny were at the crease. During one of the drinks breaks, I went with the drinks. Sharma told Binny, ‘Woh World Cup (1983) type khelenge’ to which Binny replied that they were too old now but Sharma insisted to have a go. And the duo won that game for us. Sharma was a gritty and determined batsman and he would always give his best.” Kaore too condoled the death of Sharma.

 

“I would like to pay my sincere condolences to the departed soul. I think I was privileged to be selected in the all Indian SBI team. In those days, we did not have IPL (Indian Premier League) and Moin-ud-Dowlah used to be the curtain-raiser tournament for the season. National Test team members and probables all used to play in that tournament. “During the tournament, our original skipper Mohammad Azharuddin had to leave the tournament midway as his services were required by the Indian team. Yashpal Sharma was made the captain. That season, most of the matches were washed away due to torrential rains and I don’t’ recall much of action but in whatever little opportunities I have had, I found Sharma to be a good leader. It was a very good experience sharing the dressing room with India greats. Sharma ji liked to lead from the front. ‘Jigar wale player to thay hi woh.

 

Samjhate thay aur sab ko saath lekar chalte thay’. By that time (1995-96) he was out of favour with the Indian national team but was still a good player. Syed Kirmani was our manager. The likes of Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble were part of the tournament,” said Kaore who was recruited in sports quota in SBI by none other than the legendary Ajit Wadekar in 1982. Kaore retired just six months back. Sharma was top-scorer for India in three crucial matches in the 1983 World Cup. These included a score of 89 against the West Indies in one of the opening matches of the tournament and 61 against England in the semi-final. Sharma also scored 40 against Australia in the lead-up to the semi-final stage. Post retirement, Sharma served as an umpire, a selector and also a commentator.