BENGALURU: Former India wicketkeeper
Syed Kirmani woke up on Tuesday morning in anticipation of a memorable conversation with his 1983 World Cup-winning teammate
Yashpal Sharma for his YouTube channel Kirmani's Pitch-Perfect. The 66-year-old Sharma had agreed over the weekend to be a guest on the show. But the day turned tragic with Sharma's death in the morning.
"I'm shocked. We met recently during the
1983 World Cup
win's 38th anniversary. I just can't believe that a friend I spoke to two days ago is no more. When I called him two days back to invite him for the show, he said: 'Anything for you Kiri bhai.' We were to record the show tonight and in the morning, I hear he is no more. Life cannot get more unpredictable than this," Kirmani told TOI.
Kirmani and Sharma's friendship dates to the early 1970s when they faced each other on the domestic circuit with the former turning out for Karnataka and South Zone, while Sharma represented Punjab and North Zone. Their friendship bloomed in 1983.
"Yashpal was a livewire on and off the field," recalled Kirmani. "He was a huge motivating factor for the whole team. Apart from being very quick between the wickets, he was also a good all-rounder with his off-spin. He was the second wicketkeeper after me at the 1983 World Cup."
Recalling Sharma's contribution in India's 1983 victory march in England, Kirmani said, "Undoubtedly he was one of our heroes. We can never forget his contribution in the semifinals against England. His 92-run partnership with Mohinder Amarnath and his personal score of 61 is memorable. Before he went out to bat, he helped India restrict England to 213 when he ran out dangerman Allan Lamb with a fine throw from short fine leg."
Another of Sharma's teammate
Roger Binny was shaken by his longtime friend's death.
"My friendship with Yashpal dates back to our domestic cricket days. Besides state and zonal cricket, we also played together for our bank - State Bank of India. He was employed with the bank for a few years and we travelled the country for tournaments for 5-6 years. He never shied away from challenges. It is tragic that he is no more. He will be missed," said the former all-rounder and current president of the
Karnataka State Cricket Association
.