Former Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi passes away aged 77

Bishan Singh Bedi played 67 Test matches for India from 1967 to 1979.

India’s legendary left-arm spinner and former captain Bishan Singh Bedi is no more. Bedi breathed his last at the age of 77 on Monday in Delhi. Bedi was battling with prolonged illness from last two years. Legendary left-arm spinner represented India on a big stage for about 12 years and India under his leadership made a huge leap in test cricket. He played 67 Test matches for India and finished his career as one of the leading wicket-takers in this format. 

Bishan Bedi was battling with illness

The former Indian captain Bishan Singh Bedi was living in Delhi with his son Angad Bedi and his daughter-in-law Neha Dhupia. Bedi underwent surgery two weeks ago and he has been hospitalised since then. Earlier in the year 2021, Bishan Singh Bedi suffered a heart attack and had to undergo bypass surgery in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. He also underwent an operation to remove blood clotting from his brain during that time. 

Bishan Singh Bedi represented India in 67 test matches and picked up 266 test wickets. Legendary left-arm spinner made a lethal spin quartet for India along with Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrashekhar, and S Venkatraghavan. This quartet together went on to win test matches in England and West Indies for India in the 70s. Bishan Singh Bedi was India’s leading wicket-taker as left-arm spinner until he was overtaken by Ravindra Jadeja earlier this year. 

Bishan Singh Bedi's impact in Indian cricket

Bishan Singh Bedi led team India in 22 test matches and won 6 tests as captain of the team. He has been given credit for giving India teeth to bite and teach India how to win a test match. Under his leadership, Bedi successfully forced the establishments in Indian cricket to provide better resources for players. Bishan Singh Bedi made a big impact on Indian cricket with his leadership skills as well as with his left-arm spin bowling. 

Bishan Singh Bedi was born on 25th September 1946 in Amritsar, he made his name in Indian cricket at the age of 20 and went to make his test debut for India in January 1967 against West Indies at Eden Gardens. He went on to play 67 test matches and finished his career at The Oval against England during India’s tour of England in 1979. Bishan Singh Bedi also played 10 ODI matches for India and was part of the 1975 and 1979 World Cup squad. Bedi took 7 ODI wickets.