Yashpal Sharma, born on August 11, 1954, in Ludhiana, Punjab, was an Indian cricketer who made significant contributions to the Indian middle order during his career from 1979 to 1983. While he may have had technical limitations, his courage, concentration, determination, and patience made up for any shortcomings, establishing him as an invaluable asset to the team.
Yashpal first caught the attention of selectors with his impressive batting performance for North Zone against South Zone in the 1977-78 Duleep Trophy, where he scored a remarkable 173 runs. This outstanding display of skill brought him close to national recognition. However, it wasn’t until the following season that he finally earned a spot on the tour of Pakistan.
Although he didn’t make the Test team in Pakistan, Yashpal proved his mettle during the England tour in 1979. In the four Tests played, he scored an impressive total of 884 runs, averaging 58.93. His solid batting technique and defensive approach made him a difficult batsman to dismiss.
Yashpal continued to excel during the twin rubbers against Australia and Pakistan in 1979-80, making several valuable contributions with his batting prowess. Among his notable achievements during this period was his maiden Test hundred against Australia in New Delhi. However, he faced a setback during the subsequent tour of Australia and New Zealand, resulting in his temporary omission from the squad.
In a remarkable comeback against England in 1981-82, Yashpal made a significant mark by scoring 140 runs in Madras. He formed a record-breaking partnership of 316 runs with GR Viswanath and batted throughout the second day’s play. Undeterred by his previous setback, Yashpal exhibited resilience and proved his worth to the team.
Yashpal’s consistent performances secured him a place in the Indian team for the tours of England in 1982, as well as Pakistan and West Indies in 1982-83. His tenacious style of play consistently posed a challenge for the opposition, making it difficult for them to dismiss him.
One of the highlights of Yashpal’s career came in 1983 when he played a crucial role in India’s historic World Cup victory. His innovative batting skills and excellent running between the wickets were instrumental in India’s success in the one-day format. However, a sudden decline in form during the 1983-84 season against Pakistan and West Indies resulted in his exclusion from the Test team. Despite this setback, he continued to participate in a few limited-overs matches.
Yashpal Sharma’s contribution to Indian cricket extended beyond his playing career. He served as a national selector for a couple of years until December 2005 and was reappointed to the panel in 2008. His experience and deep understanding of the game provided valuable insights that influenced the selection process.
Throughout his career, Yashpal Sharma exhibited unwavering determination and resolute batting skills that made him an integral part of the Indian cricket team during a transformative period in its history. His valuable contributions, both on and off the field, will forever be remembered as an indelible part of Indian cricket.
