Bishan Singh Bedi passes away: 'Deeply saddened' — PM Modi pays tribute to legendary cricketer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed sadness at the death of former India captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi. PM Modi in his message added that Bedi 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 family and admirers. Om Shanti,” Modi said on X.

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

Bedi, who is considered by experts as one of the greatest left-arm spinners, passed away at his residence in Delhi on Monday at the age of 77 after battling a prolonged illness. The former cricketer is survived by his wife Anju, son Angad and daughter Neha. His demise was confirmed by a close friend. “He breathed his last at his home this morning. He recently underwent a knee operation. The infection spread and he could not recover from that,” one of his close friends told news agency PTI. **Bishan Singh Bedi passes away: ‘One of our best’, ‘moral beacon for all’ and more tributes** Bedi played 67 Tests for India and took 266 wickets including 14 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul. The left-armer was the part of cricket world’s golden quartet of spinners which also included Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.

The four spinners formed the core of India’s bowling between 1966 and 1978. Bedi captained India for nearly four years between 1975 and 1979 after Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi retired. He was also the team manager in 1990 during tours of New Zealand and England. The former spinner also served as a national selector.