Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi, a legendary spinner, died at the age of 77 years on Monday. Between 1967 and 1979, the legendary spinner played 67 Tests for India, taking 266 wickets. In addition, he took seven wickets in ten One-Day Internationals.
Bedi, along with Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan, was the architect of a sort of revolution in the history of Indian spin bowling. He was instrumental in India’s first ODI victory. In a 1975 World Cup match, his miserly bowling figures of 12-8-6-1 held East Africa to 120 runs.
Beyond his international career, Bedi had a distinguished domestic cricket career, particularly with the Delhi team. He served as a mentor to numerous spin bowlers and played a significant role in nurturing young cricketing talent in India. Bedi’s influence transcended the field, as he became a respected commentator and a proponent of fair play and sportsmanship. Even after retiring from the game, Bedi continued to be an outspoken voice in the cricketing world, expressing his opinions on various cricket-related matters. He remains an esteemed figure in Indian cricket, celebrated for his artistry and unwavering dedication to the sport.