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Indian cricket and the world of sports have lost a true legend as former Indian cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi, one of the most revered spin bowlers in the history of the game, passed away at the age of 77 on Monday. Bedi had been battling health issues and underwent surgery two weeks ago, subsequently being hospitalized in Delhi.
Bishen Singh Bedi, born on September 25, 1946, had an illustrious cricketing career that spanned from 1966 to 1979. He was an integral part of the famous Indian spin quartet, along with Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. During his time on the field, Bedi made an indelible mark on Indian cricket with his slow left-arm orthodox bowling.
Bedi’s international cricket journey included 67 Test matches, where he showcased his incredible skills and cricketing wisdom. He took an impressive 266 wickets in Test cricket, a testament to his mastery of the craft. Moreover, he had the honor of leading the national side in 22 Test matches.
One of the distinctive aspects of Bishen Singh Bedi’s cricketing persona was his colorful patka and his reputation for being outspoken and forthright when it came to matters related to the game. His fearless approach and candid opinions contributed to his iconic status in the cricketing world.
“Throughout his career, Bedi received recognition for his contributions to cricket, both on and off the field. In 1970, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, and in 2004, he was honored with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his enduring impact on Indian cricket”.
Bishen Singh Bedi’s journey in cricket began at the age of fifteen when he joined Northern Punjab in domestic cricket. Despite taking up the sport relatively late, he quickly rose to prominence. In the 1974–75 season of the Ranji Trophy, he made history by taking a record 64 wickets. Bedi also ventured into English county cricket, representing Northamptonshire for several years. When he hung up his boots, he had amassed a remarkable 1560 wickets in first-class cricket, more than any other Indian cricketer.
“Bedi’s bowling style was often described as graceful, even beautiful. He possessed a unique ability to fly the ball and employ subtle variations of spin, making it a challenging task for batsmen to face him. His relaxed and coordinated action allowed him to maintain rhythm and control, qualities that made him an invaluable asset to any captain”.
Throughout his career, Bedi had several remarkable Test series, including notable performances against Australia, England, the West Indies, and New Zealand. His best Test bowling figures were 7/98 against Australia at Calcutta in 1969–70, while his best match figures were 10/194 at Perth in 1977–78, also against Australia.
Not only was Bedi a masterful bowler, but he also displayed his tenacity with the bat on occasion. His highest Test score of 50 not out was achieved against New Zealand in Kanpur in 1976.
In 1976, Bishen Singh Bedi was appointed captain of the Indian cricket team, succeeding Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. His leadership saw India securing its first Test victory as captain against the West Indies in Port-of-Spain. This historic win involved India scoring a then-record 406 runs in the fourth innings. Bedi’s captaincy was also marked by a 2–0 series victory over New Zealand at home.
“Despite these early successes, Bedi’s captaincy journey faced challenges with successive Test series losses to England (3–1 at home), Australia (3–2 away), and Pakistan (2–0 away). Consequently, he was replaced as captain by Sunil Gavaskar”.
Bedi’s contributions to cricket extended beyond the playing field. He is remembered for his sportsmanship and unwavering dedication to the game. His legacy as a cricketing great was further affirmed when, in 2008, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack recognized him as one of the five best cricketers to have never been selected as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.
Apart from his cricketing achievements, Bishen Singh Bedi was known for his simplicity and humility. He once shared that he always washed his own clothes, considering it an excellent exercise for the shoulders and fingers, which he believed were essential for successful spin bowling.
Bishen Singh Bedi’s passing leaves a void in the world of cricket, but his contributions and influence on the sport will always be cherished and remembered. He leaves behind his wife, Anju, son Angad Bedi, a Bollywood actor, who is married to actress Neha Dhupia, and daughter Neha, as well as a legacy that will continue to inspire cricketers and fans for generations to come.
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