Cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi passes away at 77 after prolonged illness

Bishan Singh Bedi, an icon and former captain of the Indian cricket team, has passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness.

Bedi, renowned for his elegant left-arm spin, captained the Indian cricket team in 22 Test matches and played a pivotal role in shaping India's cricketing legacy.

His cricketing career spanned from 1967 to 1979, during which he featured in 67 Tests for India, claiming an impressive 266 wickets. He also made appearances in 10 One-Day Internationals, securing a total of 7 wickets. Known for his exquisite spin bowling skills, he was part of India's first-ever ODI victory, where his figures of 12-8-6-1 restricted East Africa to 120 runs in the 1975 World Cup.

In the domestic cricket arena, Bedi was primarily associated with the Delhi team. In English county cricket, he represented Northamptonshire. Following his retirement as a player, he transitioned into roles such as a coach and mentor for aspiring Indian cricketers. Beyond the cricket field, he served as a commentator, contributing his insights to the sport.

Bedi was not only celebrated for his cricketing prowess but also for his outspoken nature when expressing his views on various aspects of the game. He left an indelible mark on Indian cricket and played a significant role in the country's spin-bowling revolution.

Several cricketers, including former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, paid their respects to the legendary spinner on social media. In his tribute, 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."

Bedi's contributions extended beyond his playing days. He briefly served as the manager of the Indian cricket team during tours of New Zealand and England in 1990. He also held the role of a national selector and mentored promising spinners like Maninder Singh and Murali Kartik, who valued his technical insights.

Remembered as one of the greatest left-arm spinners in the world, Bedi's artistry was a sight to behold. His precision, control, and mastery over the art of spin bowling have left an indomitable legacy in Indian cricket.

Bishan Singh Bedi was bestowed with the Padma Shri Award in 1970, highlighting his outstanding contributions to the sport.

In his cricketing career, Bedi was revered for his elegant and precise spin bowling, famously deceiving batsmen with his subtle variations. His leadership was pivotal in India's historic series win against England in 1971, where he captained the side in the absence of the injured Ajit Wadekar, contributing to India's growth as a competitive cricketing nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, acknowledging Bedi's unwavering commitment to cricket and his enduring influence on 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," he wrote on X.

Bedi is survived by his wife Anju, son Angad (Bollywood actor), and daughter Neha.