42 yrs of World Cup triumph: A Day that made Indian cricket what it is

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

- KUSHAN SARKAR

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 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 Maco (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.

"Yes, he was a very popular member of the team and he is missed by every one of us," the legendary Sunil Gavaskar told PTI when asked about the only member, who is no longer with them.

The 83 whatsapp group comprises the 14 members of that team and administrative manager PR Man Singh.

Whether the team wins the Border Gavaskar Trophy under Ravi Shastri or Roger Binny becomes BCCI president or for that matter Kirti Azad wins Lok Sabha elections, the group is always buzzing.

"We are in touch almost every day but most certainly today," Gavaskar said.