NE SPORTS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, OCT 23
Bishan Singh Bedi, former India captain and legendary spinner has died at the age of 77 on Monday. Over the last two year, Bedi was down with ailing health during which he underwent numerous medical procedures, including a knee surgery approximately one month ago.
He is survived by his wife Anju, and two children, Neha and Angad.
Bedi, a veteran of 67 Tests in a 12-year-career spanning between 1967 and 1979, was one of India’s most celebrated cricketers. Bedi, along with Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar and S. Venkataraghavan, formed the most lethal spin quartet in the history of Indian cricket, one that revolutionised the art of spin bowling worldwide.
A Padma Shri winner in 1970, Bedi also went on to captain India in 22 Tests and played India’s first-ever ODI against East Africa in 1975 where he bowled 12 overs, eight maidens, gave away six runs and picked one wicket. Bedi is widely considered the game’s greatest left-arm spinner.
The picturesque Dharmshala Stadium lit up with the #CWC2023 Cricket Fever! pic.twitter.com/9FjyAkUqGU
— Anurag Thakur (मोदी का परिवार) (@ianuragthakur) October 23, 2023
“In Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamsala, he arranged a number of training camps. And when this stadium was coming through, he used to stay in the Indian dressing room. He would stay here and prepare the players. Although he has always had a wonderful relation with Punjab and Delhi, he had a place in his heart reserved for Himachal as well. Condolences to his entire family.”
Making his Test debut against Australia in 1969-70, Bedi finished the series with 21 wickets. And there was no looking back. After grabbing 25 wickets against England, another 18 against West Indies, 22 more against England and 25 and 31 again versus England and Australia, Bedi, really was, in the truest sense, one of the greatest spinners of all time.
Bedi was a stalwart for Delhi in Ranji Trophy leading the team to back-to-back titles in 1978-79 and 1980-81. Besides, Bedi also emerged as a giant in County cricket where he played 102 First-Class games for Northamptonshire and picked 434 wickets from 1972 to 1977.
In the year 1976, Bedi was appointed captain of the Indian team, succeeding Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. His inaugural win as captain was in the 3rd Test of the 1976 series against the formidable West Indies in Port-of-Spain, where India orchestrated a historic fourth-innings total of 406, etching their name into the record books. This resounding victory paved the way for India to continue their dominance, culminating in a 2-0 series triumph against New Zealand on home turf. Yet, despite these promising beginnings, a series of challenging Test losses to England, Australia, and Pakistan would ultimately lead to Bedi’s removal from the post with Sunil Gavaskar taking over.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief on the passing away of noted cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi.
Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2023
The Prime Minister posted on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
बिशन सिंह बेदी जी के निधन से क्रिकेट जगत को बहुत बड़ा नुक़सान हुआ है।
भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/4nqyCfoo6N
— Anurag Thakur (मोदी का परिवार) (@ianuragthakur) October 23, 2023
“Former captain of the Indian cricket team and a bowler who will be always remembered fondly, Bishan Singh Bedi ji is no more with us. It’s a very tragic news and a big loss to the world of cricket,” Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said.
Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and…
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 23, 2023
The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times.
May his soul rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oYdJU0cBCV
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023
“The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times. May his soul rest in peace,” read an X post from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Former and current cricketers paid rich tributes to legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who died on Monday, describing him as one of the best bowlers the country has produced and one who went out of the way to help youngsters.
Bedi, who played 67 Tests between 1967 to 1979 and took 266 wickets, died at his home here after a prolonged illness.
Senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin remembered Bedi as someone who went out of the way to help young cricketers, while former opener Gautam Gambhir felt the former left-arm spinner’s immense contribution would be remembered forever.
Sad to hear about the demise of the great Bishen Singh Bedi, apart from being a great cricketer, he was an affable person and went the extra mile to help young cricketers. 🙏🙏🙏
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 23, 2023
“Sad to hear about the demise of the great Bishan Singh Bedi, apart from being a great cricketer, he was an affable person and went the extra mile to help young cricketers,” wrote Ashwin on social media.
“Extremely saddened by the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji. His immense contribution to cricket will forever be remembered. May god give strength to his family and loved ones!” Gambhir wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Bedi was a part of Indian cricket’s golden quartet of spinners, the others being Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chadrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, who formed the core of India’s bowling unit for more than a decade between 1966 and 1978.
Ex-India captain Azharuddin offered condolences on the passing away of Bedi.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan termed Bedi one of the best the country has produced.
“Bishan Singh Bedi. One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family,” wrote Pathan.
India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Bishan Singh Bedi Sir, a legend and a true ambassador of the sport. His contribution to Indian cricket will be remembered forever. My heartfelt condolences to his family.” Former India women’s team captain Mithali Raj also paid tributes to the late ‘Sardar of Spin’.
“Saddened by the news of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi ji passing away. He’ll always be among the best bowlers to have represented India. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.” India limited overs player Shikhar Dhawan described Bedi as “a true cricketing legend who will be dearly missed”.
