Bishan Singh Bedi, one of India’s most iconic cricketers, passed away at the age of 77. A left-arm spinner and former captain of the Indian cricket team, Bedi’s contributions to the sport left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.

Bishan Singh Bedi’s legacy in the world of cricket is monumental. His prowess as a spinner, leadership on the field, and contributions to Indian cricket as a mentor and selector will forever be celebrated. As the cricketing fraternity mourns his loss, his impact on the sport remains evergreen, and his name continues to inspire future generations of cricketers.

He had had several surgeries recently and was fighting age-related ailments. He was born on 25 September 2023 in Amritsar and one of the best spin spinners in history, Bedi captained India in 22 of his 67 Test matches while claiming 266 wickets. After a protracted illness, Indian cricket hero Bishan Singh Bedi passed away at the age of 77.

He played his final Test match at The Oval against England in 1979 after making his debut against the West Indies in 1966. In addition, Bedi represented Northamptonshire in English county cricket. During his career, he amassed the most first-class wickets of any Indian bowler with 1,560.

Bedi Cricket History

Bedi captained India in 22 of his 67 Test matches while claiming 266 wickets. He played his final Test match at The Oval against England in 1979 after making his debut against the West Indies in 1966. In addition, Bedi represented Northamptonshire in English county cricket. During his career, he amassed the most first-class wickets of any Indian bowler with 1,560.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Bedi was a key member of the renowned quartet of Indian spin bowlers, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, who were all world-class performers. Readers selected Bedi for inclusion in BBC Sport’s all-time India Test XI in 2021.

Bishan Singh Bedi Career

Bedi represented Northamptonshire in English county cricket. During his career, he amassed the most first-class wickets of any Indian bowler with 1,560. In the 1960s and 1970s, Bedi was a key member of the renowned quartet of Indian spin bowlers, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, who were all world-class performers.

Readers selected Bedi for inclusion in BBC Sport’s all-time India Test XI in 2021. Syed Kirmani, a former wicketkeeper for India who participated in 88 Test matches, once remarked that Bedi could bowl six different deliveries in an over due to his extreme variation.  

Bishan Singh Bedi Achievements

One of England’s greatest captains, Mike Brearley, described his bowling as wonderful. And Australia’s legendary Sir Donald Bradman, who is recognized as the greatest hitter of all time in the game, thought that Bedi was one of the best bowlers of his kind and a true study for the connoisseur.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Bedi, leg spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and off spinners Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Erapalli Prasanna were considered India’s most formidable bowling combination. They frequently collaborated to produce slow, turning wickets at home. Numerous cricket players from India and other countries have expressed their admiration for the spin maestro. 

Record 1560 wickets

More than any other Indian cricketer, Bedi managed to take a whopping 1560 wickets in his illustrious career. Bedi played for India from 1967 to 1979. Bedi recorded his final international appearance for India against England at the Kennington Oval in 1979. He achieved a remarkable bowling average of 28.71 at the time of his retirement.

India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests

When Bedi retired, the star spinner was India’s leading wicket-taker in the longest and oldest format of the game. Bedi bid farewell to Test cricket with 266 wickets under his belt. He bagged 14 five-wicket hauls for the Asian Giants. The spin-bowling great played 67 Tests and represented India in 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Smoking three sixes and as many fours, Bedi smashed his highest Test score (50* off 54 balls) in just 68 minutes.

County icon who captained India in 22 Tests

Bedi captained Team India for nearly four years in the red-ball format between 1975 and 1979. The star spinner succeeded Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi as India’s captain in Test cricket. With Bedi at the helm, India played 22 Test matches. Interestingly, Bedi had a glorious career in the County Championship. Leading the bowling charge of Northamptonshire, Bedi bagged 434 wickets at 20.89 – the most by any Indian on the English County cricket circuit.

Played crucial role in India’s first ODI win

Though Bedi played only 10 matches in ODI cricket, he will be fondly remembered for guiding India to its first-ever win in the 50-over format. Bedi recorded memorable figures of 12-8-6-1 as India bowled out East Africa for just 120 at the 1975 World Cup. In 10 ODIs for India, Bedi picked up seven wickets.

India’s first professional head coach

Did you know? Bedi was India’s first professional head coach. He managed the Indian team back in 1990. Under his guidance, Punjab recorded its first and only Ranji Trophy triumph in the 1992-93 season. Bedi also masterminded Delhi’s first two Ranji Trophy titles in the 1978-79 and 1979-80 seasons.

Contributions Beyond the Field

Manager and Selector: Bedi’s association with Indian cricket didn’t end with his playing career. He served as the manager of the Indian cricket team during tours of New Zealand and England in 1990. Additionally, he held the role of a national selector, influencing the selection of talented spinners like Maninder Singh and Murali Kartik.

Padma Shri: In 1970, Bishan Singh Bedi was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cricket.

Left-arm Spin Maestro: Bedi is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-arm spinners in the history of the game. His artistry and skill with the ball earned him the respect and admiration of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.