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India (Commonwealth) _ Bishan Singh Bedi, a former India captain and great left-arm spinner, passed away on Monday at the age of 77 after a long illness. He recently underwent knee surgery. “The infection spread and he was unable to recover,” stated one of his close pals.Bedi, who was born in Amritsar in 1946, played 67 Tests for India, taking 266 wickets with 14 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul.
Bishan Singh Bedi excelled as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. From 1966 until 1979, he was a member of India’s legendary spin quartet in Test cricket. He appeared in 67 Tests and got 266 wickets. In addition, he captained the national team in 22 Test matches. Bedi sported a colorful patka and was known for his strong and frank opinions on cricket issues. In 1970, he received the Padma Shri award, and in 2004, he received the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
His bowling has been regarded as graceful, even beautiful, and brimming with guile and skill.He was a master at flying the ball, and he could make it hold back or rush forward while adding tiny variations of spin. His movement was so comfortable and synchronized that he could bowl all day with rhythm and control, making him an invaluable asset to any captain.
His best Test bowling numbers were 7/98 against Australia in Calcutta in 1969-70, and 10/194 against Australia in Perth in 1977-78.His best first-class bowling performance was 7/5 for Delhi against Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi in 1974-75. Despite his poor batting, he hit a boundary off the second last ball in Northamptonshire’s two-wicket win over Hampshire in the Gillette Cup Semi-Final.His best Test score of 50 not out, his lone half-century, came against New Zealand in Kanpur in 1976.
Bedi was named India’s captain in 1976, succeeding Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. His maiden Test victory as captain was against the West Indies in the third Test of the 1976 series at Port-of-Spain, when India struck a then-record 406 in the fourth innings.This was followed by a 2-0 series win at home over New Zealand. Sunil Gavaskar took over as captain after straight Test series losses to England (3-1 at home), Australia (3-2 away), and Pakistan (2-0 away).
Bedi was chosen one of the five finest cricketers who had not been named Wisden Cricketer of the Year by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 2008.
Bedi briefly managed the Indian cricket team on visits to New Zealand and England in 1990. He was also a national selector and tutor to many talented spinners, including Maninder Singh and Murali Kartik, who all praised his technical acumen. Bedi was one of India’s most admired captains, leading the team for nearly four years in Test cricket until Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi retired in 1975.
Several cricketers and notable others paid tribute to the spin magician, who took 266 Test wickets in a career that spanned 1967 to 1979.
Former India spinner Anil Kumble, the country’s greatest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, said Bedi was someone who always supported him and shared his knowledge of the game. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also paid respect on social media, saying that Bedi was always willing to assist young cricketers.
Harbhajan Singh, India’s second most productive ODI spinner, sent his condolences to Bedi’s son Angad and his family.Former India batsmen Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag both posted on X that Bedi’s death was a great loss to the cricketing world.
The tributes were led by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said on X: “His passion for the sport was unwavering, and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories.”
