Former India captain and a legendary spin bowler, Bishan Singh Bedi, has passed away at the age of 77. The news was confirmed on Monday evening that Bedi breathed his last on Monday in Delhi, after battling with illness for the past two years.
Bedi had been ailing for the last two years. He had undergone multiple surgeries including one on the knee about a month ago.
Bishan Singh is hailed as one of the greatest-ever spinners the game has seen. He was part of the famous Indian spin quartet in the 1970s comprising Bedi, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.
Bedi played 67 Tests for India between 1967 and 1979, picking up 266 Test wickets with 14 five-wicket hauls and 13 4-wicket hauls. He featured in 10 ODIs as well.
In all of his first-class cricket, Bishan Singh Bedi snapped a mammoth 1560 wickets – which is a record for an Indian bowler – in 370 first-class matches with 106 five-wicket hauls. Bedi played in the 1975 World Cup.
Bishan Singh Bedi captained India in 22 matches. He led Delhi to Ranji Trophy titles in 1979 and 1980. He had also turned up in County Cricket for Northamptonshire, for whom he took 434 first-class wickets at 20.89.
Bedi is survived by his wife Anju, and two children, Neha and Angad.
Cricketers from all around the world mourned the passing away of the legendary cricketer and an inspirational figure.
Tweets on passing away of Bishan Singh Bedi:
Gautam Gambhir tweeted: “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!”
R Ashwin tweeted: “Sad to hear about the demise of the great Bishen Singh Bedi, apart from being a great cricketer, he was an affable person and went the extra mile to help young cricketers.”
India’s PM Narendra Modi tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted: “A genuine cricketing great, a proud Indian and a pure cricket lover moves on. The death of Bishan Bedi makes it a very sad day for India and for cricket. He was always encouraging and I will miss his easy laughter.”
Aakash Chopra tweeted: “Bish Paji to all of us at the Delhi Ranji Team. An absolute legend of the game. Your contribution to our wonderful game is immeasurable. Your smile…your laughter…your love for the game will always be remembered”
Check out the tweets here:
