Bishan Singh Bedi Passes Away At 77 Due To Prolonged Illness

In what has been the tragic news, former Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on Monday (23rd October). The spin bowling great was battling illness for a long time and took his last breath at the age of 77. 

Bishan Singh Bedi played an instrumental role in shaping India’s spin bowling and played the game from 1967 to 1979.  He played 67 Tests for the national side and picked 266 wickets in those games. The bowling great also captained the team for 22 games. 

Bedi also played 10 ODIs for India in which he picked 7 wickets. The Padma Shri winner in 1970, was part of India’s first-ever ODI against England in 1974. He picked one wicket in a game in 1975 against East Africa and bowled 12 overs, conceding only 6 six runs. 

Bedi made his Test debut in 1966 and in that series, he made a staggering impact. The left-arm spinner performed well in that series and didn’t look back, developing himself into one of the greatest spinners of all time. 

Bedi was also India’s first professional head coach in 1990. After his stint with the Indian team, he coached quite a few state teams. The bowling great guided Punjab to its only Ranji Trophy win, in the 1992-93 season. 

Irfan Pathan Expresses his disbelief over the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi 

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan was in disbelief at the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi. He paid his tribute to the bowling great. Taking to his X account, he said: 

“Bishan singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family.”

Bishan singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2023

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also expressed its condolences over the sad demise of Bishan Singh Bedi. They stated: 

“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 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 ? pic.twitter.com/oYdJU0cBCV

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023