Legendary India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passes away at 77

Bishan Singh Bedi (77), former India captain and one of the greatest spinners, passed away on Monday, October 23. The legendary cricketer represented India in 67 Test matches from 1967 to 1979, taking a total of 266 wickets. The arsenal of Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan was instrumental in revolutionising Indian spin bowling. 

Bedi, who made his Test debut in December 1967, has also played 10 ODIs for India. He was a key factor in India's maiden ODI win. His mystery bowling (12-8-6-1) helped India restrict South Africa to 120 runs in the 1975 World Cup. He has taken a total of 7 wickets in the 50-over format at an economy of 3.54. 

"The Indian Cricket Board 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," the governing body of Indian cricket wrote on its official X (formerly known as Twitter) handle. 

Born in Amritsar on September 25, 1946, the left-arm orthodox spinner represented Delhi in domestic cricket. He has an impressive record of 1560 wickets in first-class cricket, including 106 five-wicket hauls and 20 10-wicket hauls in 370 matches. Bedi has led India in 22 Tests as well, succeeding Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. 

Cricket fraternity pays tribute

Former India captains Mithali Raj and Virat Kohli, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble and many other prominent figures in the cricketing fraternity have paid tributes to Bedi on social media.

"The 'Sardar of Spin' is no more. Saddened by the news of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi ji passing away. He'll always be among the best bowlers to have represented India. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," Mithali Raj tweeted. 

The 'Sardar of Spin' is no more. Saddened by the news of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi ji passing away. He'll always be among the best bowlers to have represented India. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/guGRBynwTR

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 23, 2023

“Deeply saddened to hear the loss of Bishan Paaji. He was someone who always had my back and who genuinely shared his thoughts on the game. Cricketing fraternity will miss him dearly. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” Kumble posted on ‘X’.

Deeply saddened to hear the loss of Bishan Paaji. He was someone who always had my back and who genuinely shared his thoughts on the game. Cricketing fraternity will miss him dearly. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 23, 2023

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also took to the social media platform ‘X’ to pay his tribute. “Bishan singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family,” Pathan posted on ‘X’.

Bishan singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened by the passing of the cricket legend, Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His impact on the sport is immeasurable, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Bishan Singh Bedi Sir, a legend and a true ambassador of the sport. His contribution to Indian cricket will be remembered forever.

My heartfelt condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/VKGb5lCEcO

— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 23, 2023

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! pic.twitter.com/zDpSd4aUp2

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji.

My condolences to the family 🙏🏽

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 23, 2023