Former India Captain & Legendary Spinner Bishan Singh Bedi Passes Away At 77

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New Delhi: Former India captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on Monday. He was 77.

According to reports, Bedi was ailing for the last two years and had undergone multiple surgeries, including one on the knee about a month ago. He is survived by his wife Anju, son Angad and daughter Neha.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement, marking its condolences. “BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times. May his soul rest in peace.”

Born in Amritsar in 1946, Bedi played 67 Tests for India from 1967 to 1979 and took 266 wickets with 14 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul. He also took seven wickets in 10 ODIs.

A Padma awardee, Bedi captained India in 22 Tests.

His most notable contribution was in India’s first-ever ODI win in World Cup 1975 when he bowled 12 overs, eight maidens, gave away six runs and picked one wicket. Bedi, along with Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar and S Venkataraghavan, formed the most lethal spin quartet in the history of Indian cricket. He also played a key role in India’s historic 1971 series victory against England when he captained the team in the absence of the injured Ajit Wadekar.

Bedi also enjoyed a successful career in the County Championship with Northamptonshire, for whom he played 102 games, and picked up 434 wickets at 20.89.

“Former captain of the Indian cricket team and a bowler who will be always remembered fondly, Bishan Singh Bedi ji is no more with us. It’s a very tragic news and a big loss to the world of cricket. In Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamsala, he arranged a number of training camps. And when this stadium was coming through, he used to stay in the Indian dressing room. He would stay here and prepare the players. Although he has always had a wonderful relation with Punjab and Delhi, he had a place in his heart reserved for Himachal as well. Condolences to his entire family,” Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, told news agency ANI.