Bishan Bedi, the legendary Indian spinner and former captain has left the world after being sick and undergoing multiple surgeries in the last two years.
The great man took his last breath in Delhi and left his wife and two children.
Bishan Bedi: A retrospective
The legendary left-arm spinner was born on September 25, 1946, in Amritsar Punjab. He made his test debut at Eden Gardens on 31st December 1966 against the mighty West Indies. After 67 test matches and 266 wickets, the great man called it a day against England in 1979.
In an age dominated by fearsome fast bowlers, Bishan Bedi was one of the best spinners going around. The man from Punjab is not only one of the best left-arm spinners of all time but also a pioneer of the discipline.
Along with Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, Bedi made up a formidable spin quartet in a time when most teams relied on fast bowlers. When he retired with 266 test wickets, Bedi was the highest wicket-taker in Indian cricket history.
How Indian spin bowlers changed cricket in the subcontinent
His skill as a bowler is further understood by the fact that he has 434 first-class wickets at an average of 20.89 for Northamptonshire in county cricket. In English overcast conditions, catered for fast bowlers, Bishan Bedi thrived with his exceptional skill and intelligence.
Cricket world reacts to Bedi’s death
With his artistic action and deceptive flight, Bishan Bedi inspired a generation as a bowler. While he had some overzealous moments as a coach, including when he threatened to throw the Indian team into the sea in 1990, he is still revered and admired.
Many in the Indian cricket community have taken to social media to express their heartfelt emotion towards the legend, including Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah.
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! pic.twitter.com/zDpSd4aUp2
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 23, 2023
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
BCCI also released a statement on X, mourning the demise of one of India’s best sons and sharing their condolences for the family.
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
Losing one of their best during a World Cup on home soil must be tough for Indian fans, but Bishan Bedi will be remembered forever as a deceptive spinner and a colourful person.
