Indian cricket legend and former national team captain, Bishan Singh Bedi, passed away on Monday after battling a prolonged illness. He was 77 years old and is survived by his wife Anju, son Angad, and daughter Neha.
Bedi, regarded as India’s greatest left-arm spinner and a cricket icon, was known for his exceptional spin bowling skills and played a significant role in India’s golden generation of spin bowling. He formed a formidable quartet of spin bowlers alongside Erapalli Prasanna (off-spinner), Srinivas Venkataraghavan (off-spinner), and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar (leg-spinner). This quartet was instrumental in India’s success in international cricket.
In his illustrious Test career, Bishan Singh Bedi claimed 266 wickets in 67 matches, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s leading spinners. He also showcased his abilities in limited-overs cricket, where he took seven wickets in 10 One-Day Internationals.
Throughout his domestic cricket journey, the Amritsar-born spinner represented Delhi and concluded his career with a remarkable tally of 1,560 wickets in first-class cricket, surpassing all other Indian cricketers.
One of Bishan Singh Bedi’s most memorable cricket performances was during India’s tour of Australia in Perth, where he claimed 10 wickets in a single match while conceding just 94 runs.
His exceptional performance against Australia in 1969 stands out, where he managed to secure 21 wickets, including a career-best bowling spell of 7 wickets for a mere 98 runs.
Bedi played a pivotal role in India’s historic triumphs against teams like England and West Indies in the 1970s. His exceptional performance in England during the 1972 and 1976 tours was a testament to his spin bowling mastery, where he secured 25 wickets.
Born in Amritsar in 1946, Bishan Singh Bedi graced the Test format with his presence, accumulating 266 wickets, which included 14 five-wicket hauls and a memorable 10-wicket performance.
He was an integral part of Indian cricket’s celebrated quartet of spinners, which included Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. This group formed the core of India’s bowling unit between 1966 and 1978.
Bishan Singh Bedi also briefly served as the manager of the Indian cricket team during their tours of New Zealand and England in 1990. He was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 1970, recognizing his invaluable contribution to Indian cricket. Additionally, Bedi showcased his cricketing prowess while representing Northamptonshire in English county cricket for numerous years.
Bishan Singh Bedi’s remarkable legacy and his contribution to the world of cricket continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts and players around the globe. His passing marks a somber moment in the world of sports, and he will be fondly remembered for his extraordinary skills and dedication to the game.
