Bishan Singh Bedi, the legendary Indian spinner and former captain of India, died on Monday at age 77. Bedi’s health had been deteriorating for the past two years.
He underwent numerous medical procedures, including surgery on his knee about a month ago. His wife Anju and his two children Neha and Angad survive him.
The tragic death of legendary spinner and former India Test captain Bishan Singh Bedi saddens the BCCI. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and supporters in these difficult times. “May his soul rest in Peace,” read an X-post from India’s Board of Control for Cricket.
Bedi was India’s most celebrated player. He played 67 Tests in 12 years between 1967 and 1978. Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan formed the most lethal spinning quartet in Indian cricket history, revolutionizing spin bowling worldwide.
Bedi, who won the Padma Shri in 1970, led India in 22 tests and played India’s very first ODI in 1975 against East Africa. He bowled twelve overs with eight maidens. Bedi is considered to be the greatest left-armer in cricket.
Bishan Bedi, a former captain of the Indian Cricket Team and a bowler who will always be remembered fondly by us, is no longer with us. Anurag Thakur told ANI it was a tragic and big loss for the cricket world.
“In Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, he organized several training camps. When this stadium came through, he would stay in the Indian dressing rooms. He would prepare the players here.
He had always enjoyed a great relationship with Punjab and Delhi. Still, he also had a special place in his heart for Himachal. “Our condolences go to his family.”
Bedi made his Test debut in 1969-70 against Australia and finished the series by taking 21 wickets. There was no turning back. Bedi was one of the best spinners in history. He had 25 wickets against England, another 18 against West Indies, 22 more against England, and 25 and 31 against England and Australia again.
Bedi played a major role in the Ranji Trophy for Delhi, leading them to two consecutive titles in 1978-1979 and 1980-1981. Bedi was also a legend in County Cricket, where he played for Northamptonshire from 1972-1977 and took 434 wickets.
Bishan Singh Bedi became captain of the Indian Team in 1976 after Mansoor Khan Pataudi. Bedi’s first win as captain came in the third Test of the 1976 Series against the West Indies at Port-of-Spain. India scored a record-breaking 406 in the fourth innings, etching its name in the history books.
India’s dominance continued with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand at home. Sunil Gavaskar took over Bedi after a string of difficult Test defeats to England, Australia and Pakistan.
Politicians also responded
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, wrote: “Deeply shocked by the death of legendary spinner Bishan Singh Ji and former captain of the Indian cricket team. Bedi Ji’s contribution to cricket and his ability to weave magic in the field will remain in our memory. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and fans at this time of sorrow.”
Nitin Gadkari, another Union Minister, said: “Deeply shocked by the death of Padma Shri Bishan Bedi Ji, a cricket icon and former captain of Team India. His extraordinary talent as a spinning bowler has left an indelible impression on the world of cricket. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his legacy inspire future generations. Omm, Shanti.”
Former Union Minister and Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh said: “Bishen Singh Bedi is no longer with us. He was one of India’s greatest cricketers. He was a great spin bowler and a part of the famous quartet.
He was an engaging and colourful personality who always spoke his mind without fear. Conversations with him were always fascinating. “He will always be a part of our memories and hearts.”
Bedi, born in Amritsar and played cricket for Delhi from a young age, is a former cricketer.
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