Former Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 77 on Tuesday.
Bishan Singh Bedi dies at the age of 77
The left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi died after his long-lasting illness at the age of 77 on October 23. He was also the captain of the side for 22 matches. Bedi played for the side between 1967 to 1979 and has featured for India in 67 Test matches taking 266 wickets. He has played 10 ODI matches bagging a total of 7 wickets. Bedi suggested the Indian star Virat Kohli to step down from captaincy and gave some advice on improving his game in 2021.
BCCI had posted a read on X (Twitter) saying, “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,”
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
Bedi was one of the best spinners in India and was one of the players of India’s spine-bowling revolution. Along with Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar and S. Venkatraghavan played an important role in India’s first ODI victory. Bedi had the figures of 12-8-6-1 and held East Africa to 120 runs in the 1975 World Cup.
He played for the Delhi team in domestic cricket. After his retirement, he worked as a coach and mentor for several emerging cricketers. He also worked as a commentator and pundit in the Gentleman’s Game.
Bedi was an outspoken character when sharing his views on some topics in the game. Indian Cricketers including all-rounder Irfan Pathan paid tribute to the legendary spinner. “Bishan Singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family,” Irfan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Bishan singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2023
Bedi was the manager of the Indian Cricket team in 1990 during India’s tour of New Zealand and England. He was also part of the national selector and mentor to many talented spinners like Maninder Singh and Murali Kartik.
“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 very tragic news and a big loss to the world of cricket,” said Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
“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,” concluded Anurag Thakur.
