Yashpal Sharma passes away: 9 lesser-known facts about the 1983 World Cup hero

India's 1983 World Cup hero Yashpal Sharma died of a heart attack on Tuesday (July 13) morning. He was 66 and is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. Here we take a look at some lesser-known facts about the legendary cricketer:

Yashpal Sharma was known as a ‘crisis man’ for Team India as he outperformed whenever the team was under severe pressure. Be it with bat or bowl, Yashpal always brought his best whenever the team was in trouble. Credit: Instagram/yashpalsharmacricketer

Yashpal played a key role in India’s 1983 World Cup win over the West Indies. He played a handy innings in the tournament with an average 34.28 runs and scored 240 runs. Credit: Instagram/yashpalsharmacricketer

Yashpal is one of the finest all-rounders Team India ever had. He could bowl medium-pace and had 47 First-Class wickets. Credit: Instagram/yashpalsharmacricketer

Yashpal Sharma was considered an integral part of the batting line up, and interestingly, he got into the team because of veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who also passed away recently.

Not many know that Yashpal Sharma could also do wicket-keeping. Credit: Instagram/yashpalsharmacricketer

Yashpal Sharma has represented three teams – Punjab, Haryana and Railways in Ranji Trophy. He played 160 matches amassing 8,933 runs which included 21 centuries with a highest score of 201 not out. Credit: Instagram/yashpalsharmacricketer

Yashpal donned the hat of an umpire too and stood in a couple of women's ODIs. Credit: Instagram/yashpalsharmacricketer

Yashpal Sharma became the national selector between 2003 and 2006 when Team India was going through a rough patch. Credit: PTI Photo

Yashpal was one of the eminent players who was vocal against Greg Chapell and openly lent his support to Saurav Ganguly. Credit: Instagram/yashpalsharmacricketer