Former India cricket team captain Bishan Singh Bedi has passed away at the age of 77 after battling a prolonged illness.

In this Article

Renowned Indian cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi has passed away at the age of 77 following an extended battle with illness. Bedi, a prominent left-arm spinner who also served as the captain of the Indian cricket team in 22 matches, had a notable career that spanned from 1967 to 1979. He represented India in 67 Test matches, where he showcased his exceptional skills by claiming 266 wickets. In addition, Bedi featured in 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India, securing a total of 7 wickets.

Bishan Singh Bedi: The Textbook Bowling Maestro

Widely regarded as one of India’s finest spinners, Bishan Singh Bedi was instrumental in the transformation of India’s spin bowling prowess. Alongside fellow spin maestros such as Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan, he played a pivotal role in India’s historic first-ever ODI victory. One of his memorable contributions came during the 1975 World Cup when his remarkable figures of 12-8-6-1 helped restrict East Africa to 120 runs. Bedi’s legacy remains a vital part of India’s cricket history.

Bedi, along with BS Chandrasekhar, S. Venkataraghavan, and Erapalli Prasanna, formed the iconic spin quartet that ignited a revolution in India’s spin bowling.

Bedi’s Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation of Bowlers

Bishan Singh Bedi’s bowling action was often lauded as the epitome of textbook perfection by his peers. Many cricketers who followed in his footsteps have spoken about the profound influence the left-arm spinner had on their own bowling techniques.

Captain Bedi’s Triumph: A Historic Victory Against West Indies

In 1976, he was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian cricket team. Bedi succeeded the legendary Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi as captain, and his tenure was marked by notable achievements. His debut as the Indian captain in the Test format resulted in a historic victory against the formidable West Indies. This significant win took place in the third Test of the 1976 series at Port-of-Spain.