Former Indian cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi, who was known for his amazing spin bowling, passed away at the age of 77 on Monday. Bedi played 67 Test matches for India between 1967 and 1979, and he took 266 wickets. He also had success in ten One-Day Internationals, where he managed to take seven wickets.
Bedi, along with Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan, played a significant role in changing the way India approached spin bowling. He even played a pivotal part in India’s first ODI win. In a 1975 World Cup game, he bowled brilliantly with figures of 12 overs, 8 runs, and 1 wicket, helping restrict East Africa to just 120 runs.
The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi.
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times.
May his soul rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oYdJU0cBCV
Born in Amritsar, India, on September 25, 1946, Bishan Singh Bedi was a highly skilled left-arm spinner known for his graceful and artful bowling style. He kicked off his international cricket career in 1966, representing India until 1979. Bedi was famous for his ability to deliver the ball with finesse and spin, using clever tactics to outsmart batsmen. His leadership played a crucial role in India’s historic 1971 series victory against England, where he captained the team in place of the injured Ajit Wadekar, solidifying India’s reputation as a competitive cricketing nation.
Besides his international journey, Bedi had an illustrious domestic cricket career, especially with the Delhi team. He served as a mentor to many spin bowlers and played a significant part in nurturing young cricketing talent in India. Bedi’s impact extended beyond the cricket field, as he became a respected commentator and an advocate for fair play and sportsmanship. Even after retiring from the game, Bedi continued to be a vocal presence in the cricketing world, sharing his views on various cricket-related matters. He remains a revered figure in Indian cricket, celebrated for his artistry and unwavering dedication to the sport.