New Delhi: Former India cricketer Bisan Singh Bedi died at 77 on October 23, Monday. The legendary spin bowler represented India in 67 Test matches from 1967 to 1979, amassing a total of 266 wickets. He played Test cricket for India from 1966 to 1979 and formed part of the famous Indian spin quartet with Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, Erapalli Prasanna, and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar. He played a total of 67 Tests and took 266 wickets. He also captained the national side in 22 Test matches.
Bedi’s played most of his domestic games for Delhi and after his retirement, he worked as a coach and mentor for several Indian cricketers. Away from the cricketing field, he also worked as a commentator and pundit in the Gentleman’s Game.
The Amritsar-born spinner, who played domestic cricket for Delhi, finished his career with 1,560 wickets in first-class cricket –more than any other Indian. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur confirmed the unfortunate news and said, “Former India captain and spinner Bishan Singh Bedi has passed away. It is a very sad news. It’s a huge loss for India. He started so many camps in Himachal. I and the whole cricketing family stand with his family.”
Bedi played Test cricket for India from 1966 to 1979 and he formed part of the famous Indian spin quartet (Bedi, EAS Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar and S Venkataraghavan). The legendary spinner also captained the national side in 22 Test matches.
He was also honoured with the Padma Shri Award in 1970. Bedi also represented Northamptonshire in English county cricket for many years.
In his condolence message Home Minister Amit Shah spoke about the mastery of Bedi’s craft. “Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary spinner and former captain of the Indian cricket team Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. Bedi Ji will live in our memories not only through his contribution to the cricketing world but also as the master of crafty bowling who could weave magic on the pitch. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and his fans in this hour of grief” the Home Minister posted on X.
Here are some lesser-known facts about legendary Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi
The legendary cricketer debuted for the Northern Punjab at age 15, and Bishan Singh Bedi moved to Delhi in 1968–69.
The legendary Indian cricketer took 64 wickets in the 1974–75 season of the Ranji Trophy.
The left-arm spinner was part of the famous Indian spin side in the ’60s and ’70s, which created havoc around the world.
The great Indian left-arm spinner played 67 Tests and took 266 wickets, with a bowling average of 28.71 and best figures of 7/98.
Bishan Singh Bedi is the best economic figure in a 60-over World Cup game. He bowled 12 overs, gave away just eight runs, and took one wicket at an efficiency rate of 0.50.
As the captain of the Indian team, he once forfeited an ODI match between India and Pakistan due to the opposition pacers bowling bouncers excessively.
His best figures came at the Perth against Australia, with figures in the match of 10/194 in the years 1978–79.
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