42 Years Of World Cup Triumph: A Day That Made Indian Cricket What It Is

In the past four years, whenever June 25 comes, the absence of one of the most vibrant members of the '83 WhatsApp group rankles the other 13.

- AGENCIES

In the past four years, whenever June 25 comes, the absence of one of the most vibrant members of the '83 WhatsApp group rankles the other 13. It is now almost four years since Yashpal Sharma left this world, but there is not a single day that "Yash Paaji" isn't missed by his teammates.

Just before COVID-19 hit, Yashpal, who was a selector in Punjab, had come to watch a Ranji Trophy match in Delhi and lamented to a couple of journalists present there about not having a recording of India's first match against West Indies at Old Trafford, where his 89 paved the way for an improbable 34-run win.

"I was ready to offer GBP 5000 to anyone who had the recording. I didn't get it. That was perhaps my best ODI knock. It seemed Malcolm Marshall had an unwritten deal with me."

"Mere aate hi do gaaend chaati pe maarta thaa (At least two deliveries, I would take on my ribs)," Yashpal, who was the top scorer with 240 runs in the tournament, fondly recollected on that December day.

The candour is deeply missed by his teammates.