Bishan Bedi, Indian cricket legend, dies aged 77

• The sports fraternity is currently in shock after the death of former India’s cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi
• Bedi at the age of 77 after battling age-related illnesses and undergoing multiple surgeries in the past two years

The sports fraternity is currently in shock after it was announced that India’s cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi is dead. Bedi, who is regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers of all time, passed away after a prolonged illness on 23 October at the age of 77. He was battling age-related illnesses and had undergone multiple surgeries in the past two years.

Bishan Bedi was one of the most recognizable and popular figures in international cricket during the 1960s and 70s. He was an integral part of a famed quartet of India’s world-beating spin bowlers that included Erapalli Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.

Bishan Bedi passed away on 23 October at the age of 77 after ailing for the past two years. Photo/ The Times of India.

“The 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 .” The BCCI posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the death of Bishan Bedi.

Bishan Bedi was born on 25 September 1946, in Amritsar, Punjab Province, British India (now Punjab, India). He began playing at a young and and was only 15 when he made his debut for Northern Punjab.

Bedi made his Test debut against West Indies in 1966. His best bowling performance came in 1969 when he picked up seven wickets for 98 runs against Australia.

Bedi gathered 266 wickets in his 67 Test matches for India from 1969 to his retirement in 1979. During an era when slow bowling was the dominant force in India, Bedi was a tough opponent in the pitch. He was the highest Indian Test wicket-taker at the time of his retirement.

Despite ending his career decades ago, he sits at number eight on the list of the highest Indian Test wicket-takers. He is behind modern-day bowlers who have played more games than him. Bedi stands fifth among the leading left-arm Test spinners of all time, below Ravindra Jadeja, Derek Underwood, Daniel Vettori and Rangana Herath.

Legendary Indian cricketer Bishan Bedi is dead. Photo/ Business Today.

Bedi captained India on 22 occasions, winning six and drawing 11 of his matches in charge. The legend also played in Indian domestic cricket for Northern Punjab (1961-67) and then Delhi (1968-81). He won two Ranji Trophies with Delhi.

Bedi played in England for Northamptonshire (1972-77), guiding them to their first major trophy – the one-day Gillette Cup against Lancashire in 1976.

Expressing his condolences after it was confirmed that Bishan Bedi is dead, Indian Prime Minister Narenda Mori took to X and wrote: “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.”