This Indian batsman was never out on zero in his entire ODI career.
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Yashpal Sharma ODI record: Yashpal Sharma was never out on zero in his ODI career. Yashpal played 37 Test matches for India and scored 1606 runs at an average of 33, which included 2 centuries and 9 fifties. At the same time, in the ODI format, he scored 883 runs in 42 matches with the help of 4 half-centuries. After saying goodbye to international career, Yashpal also remained the Indian chief selector twice.
Yashpal Sharma was never out on zero in ODI.
New Delhi. Big centuries and records in cricket often make headlines, but there are some achievements which make any player’s career even more special. India’s 1983 World Cup winning player Yashpal Sharma also has a similar unique record in his name. He did not lose a wicket on zero (duck) even once in his entire ODI career. Yashpal Sharma came out to bat 40 times in 42 ODI matches, but was not out on zero even once.
Played an important role in the 1983 World Cup
Yashpal Sharma was one of the key players of India’s first World Cup winning team. In the very first match of the 1983 World Cup, India faced two-time champion West Indies. The Indian team was in trouble in that match, but Yashpal took the responsibility and played a brilliant inning of 89 runs in 120 balls. His innings took India to a strong score and the team defeated West Indies in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Showed strength in the semi-finals also
Yashpal Sharma proved his importance not only in league matches but also in knockout matches. In the semi-final against England, he scored 61 runs in 115 balls while batting at number four. Thanks to his restrained innings, India won by six wickets and made it to the World Cup final for the first time.
Never became a ‘duck’ in ODI career
The most special record of Yashpal Sharma’s career was that he was never out without a zero in his entire ODI career. He played 42 ODI matches for India and was successful in opening his account every time. This achievement is still considered very rare and very few batsmen have been able to maintain such a record in their entire ODI career.
Left a mark in test cricket too
Yashpal Sharma scored 1,606 runs in 37 test matches for India. During this period he scored 2 centuries and 9 half-centuries. His batting average was more than 33, which is considered impressive considering the challenging conditions of that era. At the same time, in ODI cricket, he scored 883 runs in 42 matches and also scored four half-centuries.
Got recognition on the recommendation of Dilip Kumar
Very few people know that veteran actor Dilip Kumar also played an important role in bringing Yashpal Sharma to the Indian team. Impressed by Yashpal’s batting in domestic cricket, Dilip Kumar appreciated his talent and recommended him to the selectors. After this Yashpal got a chance in the Indian team, which he proved completely right with his performance.
Chief selector twice
Even after retiring as a player, Yashpal Sharma remained associated with Indian cricket. He became the chief selector of the Indian team twice. It was during his tenure that India fulfilled its dream of becoming world champion after 28 years by winning the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Said goodbye to the world in 2021
Yashpal Sharma died of a heart attack on 13 July 2021. His memorable innings in the 1983 World Cup and his unique record in ODI cricket are recorded in the history of Indian cricket. Indian cricket will always remember his contribution with respect.
About the Author
Shivam Upadhyay is an emerging sports journalist, who has been working as a sub editor in the country’s prestigious media organization Network 18 Group since November 2025. Cricket is the main area of expertise, but hockey and badminton are also…read more
