New Delhi: Bishan Singh Bedi, former India captain and legendary spinner, died at the age of 77 on Monday. The last rites of the greatest spin bowlers of all time is scheduled 2PM today at Lodhi crematorium.
Bedi was born in Amritsar, Punjab, on September 25, 1946. He made his Test debut for India in 1966, and quickly established himself as one of the most feared bowlers in the world. He was known for his pinpoint accuracy, his ability to turn the ball sharply, and his competitive spirit.
Bedi played 67 Test matches for India, taking 266 wickets at an average of 22.81. He also played 10 ODIs, taking 21 wickets at an average of 19.33. He was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975. “One of the greatest left-arm spinners of all time, former India captain, and an ICC hall of Famer. RIP Bishan Bedi”, wrote ICC on X.
Bedi was also a successful captain. He led India in 14 Test matches, winning five, losing six, and drawing three. He was known for his aggressive and attacking style of captaincy.
After retiring from cricket, Bedi became a successful commentator and analyst. He was also a vocal critic of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Bedi was a true legend of the game. He was a brilliant bowler, a courageous captain, and a passionate advocate for the sport. He will be deeply missed by the cricketing fraternity and fans all over the world.
Here are some of his notable achievements:
- He was the first Indian bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test match in England.
- He was the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in a calendar year.
- He was the first Indian bowler to take 250 wickets in Test cricket.
- He is the only Indian bowler to have a five-wicket haul in each of the first four Test matches of a series.
- He is the only Indian bowler to have taken 10 wickets in a Test match at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
- He is the only Indian captain to have won a Test series in Australia.
Bedi was a pioneer of Indian cricket. He showed the world that Indian bowlers could be just as successful as their Western counterparts. He was also a role model for many young cricketers, and his influence can still be seen in the game today.