India stands in solemn remembrance as it bids farewell to one of its most revered figures, Bishan Singh Bedi, the iconic former captain and spinner. Bedi, whose unmatched contributions to cricket have left an enduring impression on the sporting world, passed away in Delhi at the age of 77 after an extended period of illness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and deep respect for Bedi in a heartfelt tweet: “Heartbroken by the loss of renowned cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His dedication to the sport was unwavering, and his outstanding bowling performances led India to countless memorable victories. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Bedi’s legacy is firmly imprinted in the annals of cricketing history. As a left-arm spinner, he was an integral part of India’s celebrated spin quartet during the 1970s, alongside Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. His exceptional skills on the field played a pivotal role in India achieving numerous historic victories, endearing him to cricket enthusiasts across the nation.
Here’s what the cricket fraternity expressed
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 – BCCI from Twitter (X).
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! – Gautam Gambhir
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary spinner and former skipper, Bishan Singh Bedi ji. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket. My heartfelt condolences to his family. – Yusuf Pathan
Throughout an illustrious first-class career, Bedi set an unmatched record with 1560 wickets, a testament to his mastery of spin bowling. He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 1967 and represented India in 67 Test matches and ten ODIs. His final appearance for the national team was against England at the Oval in 1979.
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Although Bedi’s ODI career saw him claim just seven wickets, his pivotal role in India’s inaugural ODI triumph in the 1975 World Cup against East Africa remains etched in cricketing history. His stellar performance in that match, where he achieved remarkable figures of 12-8-6-1, played a significant part in India’s historic victory.
Beyond his international accomplishments, Bedi enjoyed a successful tenure in County Cricket with Northamptonshire. He also served as the captain of the Delhi cricket team, guiding them to Ranji Trophy titles in 1979 and 1980.
Bedi’s unwavering passion for the sport, his extraordinary bowling prowess, and his inspirational leadership will continue to resonate with aspiring cricketers in generations to come. As India mourns the loss of this cricketing luminary, Bishan Singh Bedi’s legacy as a genuine icon of the game will endure, inspiring countless young talents throughout the country. Om Shanti.