Cricket News
Former Indian spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi passes away aged 77
A day after the high of the ODI World Cup 2023 win over New Zealand, the Indian fans were dealt with some shocking news. Former Indian skipper and spin-bowling legend Bishan Singh Bedi left for his heavenly abode at the age of 77. Regarded as one of the best-ever spinners of his generation, Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on 23rd October. The news came after the former Indian skipper succumbed after suffering from illness for a long time.
Along with Bhagwat Chandrasekar, Eralapalli Prasanna, and Srinivas Venkatraghavan, the Indian team’s bowling arsenal was the best. Bishan Singh Bedi was the fourth cog in the wheel as he took the Indian team to new heights.
End of an era for well-known Indian spin legend –
Bishan Singh Bedi breathed his last on Monday 23rd of October 2023. The former Indian skipper was 77 years old when he passed away. Noted as one of the best cricketers of his era, Bedi Sahab, as he was called, got a lot of respect and admiration.
The left-arm spinner made his Test debut against West Indies in Kolkata in 1966. Bedi picked the wickets of Basil Butcher and Clive Lloyd in the 1st innings as India lost the game by an innings and 45 runs.
Making his domestic cricket debut at a young age, Bishan Singh Bedi soon made his way to Delhi. The earliest display of his talents was during the 1969/70 test series against Australia where Bedi picked 21 wickets. This was followed by 25 wickets in the series against England in 1972
Bedi’s career-best figures of 7/98 came during the 1969 test series against Australia. Bedi played his last test match against England at Oval. This was the same test match that saw Sunil Gavaskar score 221 in the final innings. David Gower was the last test wicket for the left-arm spinner.
The former Indian legend also played 10 ODI games for India and picked seven wickets with the ball. His best moment came during the 1975 ODI World Cup, where Bedi bowled 12 overs and picked one wicket for six runs. What made this effort more special was the fact that there were eight maiden overs.
After his retirement, Bedi played a few more years in the English county circuit. By the time he called an end to his playing career, Bedi had played 370 games and picked 1560 wickets with a best of 7/5. In 67 Tests Bishan Singh Bedi picked 266 wickets with a best of 7/98 with 14 fifers and one ten-wicket haul for India.