Former India captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on Monday (23 October). He was 77 years old and breathed his last at home in Delhi. Bedi played 67 Tests for India between 1967 and 1979 and took 266 wickets in his illustrious career. He also took seven wickets from 10 50-over matches. Bedi was one India’s iconic spin bowling combination that also featured BS Chandrasekhar and S Venkataraghavan. He played a clinical role in this troika. He was central to India’s first ODI win when he registered figures of 12-8-6-1 to restrict East Africa to 120 in a 1975 World Cup match.
The Amritsar-born spinner played Ranji Trophy cricket for Delhi. He was the leading wicket-taker among Indians in First-Class cricket with a jaw-dropping 1,560 wickets in 370 matches. The spinner also steered Delhi to their first two Ranji Trophy titles - in 1978-79 and 1979-80. Delhi also finished runners-up twice under his captaincy. All four finals came in a span of five years. As tributes poured in on his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote that Bedi’s “passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2023
Former India seamer Irfan Pathan wrote: “Bishan Singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family.” Historian Ramachandra Guha posted: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi. He was a great cricketer and an even greater human being. He was a moral beacon for all those who knew him.” Rajdeep Sardesai, noted journalist and son of former India cricketer Dilip Sardesai, posted the confirmation of the saddening news. “I have very sad news to share: the legendary Bishen Bedi, arguably the greatest left arm spinner this country has produced, a larger than life sportsman who always fought the cricket board establishment for players rights, has passed away. Will be much missed. RIP.”
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 to hear of the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi. He was a great cricketer and an even greater human being. He was a moral beacon for all those who knew him.
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) October 23, 2023
Devastated to hear of the passing of the great Bishan Singh Bedi. To see him bowl was a privilege I will never forget.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) October 23, 2023
I have very sad news to share: the legendary Bishen Bedi, arguably the greatest left arm spinner this country has produced, a larger than life sportsman who always fought the cricket board establishment for players rights, has passed away. Will be much missed. RIP. pic.twitter.com/CT8OPkD0mq
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 23, 2023
Current and former India cricketers and administrators paid their respects as well.
The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi.
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times.
May his soul rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oYdJU0cBCV
Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and…
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 23, 2023
Saddened by the news of demise of former cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. The legendary spinner was one of the most successful overseas players. He was an elegant mover with both bat & ball. He will remain an all time inspiration for cricketers. My condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/f1vDLAoYBl
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) October 23, 2023
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of legendary India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi.
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 23, 2023
His contributions to Indian cricket and his artistry on the field will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community.
May his… pic.twitter.com/ZrxCAtRLMr
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
#WATCH | Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur says "Former captain of Indian Cricket team, Bishan Singh Bedi is no more. This is a huge loss for cricket..." pic.twitter.com/saBGd878G0
— ANI (@ANI) 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.
— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 23, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/VKGb5lCEcO
In #BishanSinghBedi’s passing away, India has lost one of her greatest sportspersons and cricket one of its most charismatic players. Bedi lived, loved, breathed cricket and always extolled the spirit of the game as paramount. He was cricket’a conscience keeper. RIP
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 23, 2023
A legend of Indian cricket. RIP Bishan Singh Bedi Sir. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones 🙏
— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) October 23, 2023
Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary spinner and former captain of the Indian cricket team Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. Bedi Ji will live in our memories not only through his contribution to the cricketing world but also as the master of crafty bowling who could weave magic on…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 23, 2023
Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of the spin legend, Bishan Singh Bedi. A man who was adored not just for his cricketing prowess but also for the honesty and integrity he carried in his heart. He was a true maestro of the game and an inspiration to so many.
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) October 23, 2023
May his legacy… pic.twitter.com/p0OQ3zj8dj
Bedi was a challenge to deal with not just on Indian pitches and in domestic cricket but on foreign pitches too. He featured for Northamptonshire in English county in 102 matches and took 434 wickets - the most by an Indian in English county. After his professional career, Bedi coached the Indian national team and was the first professional head coach in 1990. After quitting the Indian team role, Bedi coached quite a few state teams in domestic cricket and guided Punjab to its only Ranji Trophy win, in the 1992-93 season.