On Monday, the cricketing world mourned the loss of former India captain and iconic spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi, who passed away at the age of 77. Bedi, originally hailing from Amritsar and a domestic cricket player for Delhi, left an indelible mark in the world of cricket with a remarkable career, boasting a record-breaking 1,560 wickets in first-class cricket, a feat unmatched by any other Indian cricketer.
The unfortunate news of his passing was confirmed by Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, who expressed his sorrow, saying, “Former India captain and spinner Bishan Singh Bedi has passed away. It is a very sad news. It’s a huge loss for India. He started so many camps in Himachal. I and the whole cricketing family stand with his family.”
Bedi’s cricketing journey saw him feature in 67 Test matches for India between 1967 and 1979, during which he claimed an impressive 266 wickets. Additionally, he participated in 10 One-Day Internationals, where he showcased his exceptional bowling skills by taking seven wickets.
Bishan Singh Bedi was an integral part of the legendary Indian spin quartet, which included EAS Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S Venkataraghavan. He also had the distinction of captaining the Indian national team in 22 Test matches, further solidifying his cricketing legacy.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Bedi was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 1970. Furthermore, he extended his cricketing expertise to English county cricket by representing Northamptonshire for several years.
Paying his respects, Home Minister Amit Shah acknowledged Bedi’s mastery of spin bowling, stating, “Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary spinner and former captain of the Indian cricket team Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. Bedi Ji will live in our memories not only through his contribution to the cricketing world but also as the master of crafty bowling who could weave magic on the pitch. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and his fans in this hour of grief.” The cricketing world will forever cherish the memory of this extraordinary spinner.
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