'Bishan Singh Bedi Will Continue To Inspire Future Generations' - PM Modi, Cricket Fraternity Pay Tribute To Spin Legend After His Demise

On Monday, October 23, former India National Cricket Team captain and legendary spin bowler Bishan Singh Bedi passed away. He passed away due to prolonged illness at the age of 77.

Regarded as one of the greatest spinners of all time, Bishan Singh Bedi played his first Test cricket game for India at the Eden Gardens in December 1966. Overall, he played 67 matches in the purest format of the game and bagged 266 wickets at an average of 28.71 and an economy of 2.14.

He registered 13 4-wicket hauls, 14 5-wicket hauls, and 1 10-wicket haul in his illustrious career with his best bowling figures being 10/194. The Amritsar-born spinner was India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket at the time of his retirement.

Bishan Singh Bedi played in India’s first-ever ODI match in 1974 against England in Leeds and he bagged two wickets in that game. Overall, he played 10 ODIs and picked up 7 wickets.

The legendary spinner played 370 first-class games in his career and took 1560 wickets at an average of 21.69 and an economy of 2.24 to finish as India’s leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket.

After finishing up his career as a professional cricketer, Bishan Singh Bedi took up the job of coach and became Team India’s first professional head coach in 1990 and emphasized on fitness.

After quitting the head coach job with the Indian team, the legendary spinner coached domestic teams and guided Punjab to its only Ranji Trophy win in the 1992-93 season.

Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on Monday after being unwell for the last two years and he had also undergone multiple surgeries. Condolences poured in on the passing of the Indian great and PM Narendra Modi took to X to pay rich tribute to Bedi.

“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,” PM Modi stated.

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2023

In an official statement issued by the ICC, the International Cricket Council Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his sorrow at Bedi’s passing.

“It’s sad to hear of the passing of Bishan Bedi. I would like to extend heartfelt condolences from everyone at the ICC to the family of one of the greats of the game and one whose exploits in Test cricket will be remembered for a long time,” Allardice said.

“He was the kind of spinner who could excel in different conditions and would have been one of the greats in any era.”

India National Cricket Team batting great Sachin Tendulkar took to X to state:

“Sashu,” he’d say with warmth that only he possessed. To Bishan Paaji, I wasn’t just another cricketer; I was like a son. Under his nurturing guidance, I scored my first 100 in England. On chilly NZ evenings, we’d sit over meals, and I’d hang on to every story he told, every piece of wisdom he shared. Today, there’s an echoing silence where his voice used to be. The world seems a little emptier without you, Paaji. Rest in the eternal peace you so deserve.”

"Sashu," he'd say with warmth that only he possessed. To Bishan Paaji, I wasn't just another cricketer; I was like a son. Under his nurturing guidance, I scored my first 100 in England. On chilly NZ evenings, we'd sit over meals, and I'd hang on to every story he told, every… pic.twitter.com/z0ahschCvp

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 23, 2023

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji. My condolences to the family,” Virat Kohli wrote.

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji.
My condolences to the family ??

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 23, 2023

“The ‘Sardar of Spin’ is no more. Saddened by the news of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi ji passing away. He’ll always be among the best bowlers to have represented India. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” Mithali Raj posted on X.

The 'Sardar of Spin' is no more. Saddened by the news of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi ji passing away. He'll always be among the best bowlers to have represented India. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti. ? pic.twitter.com/guGRBynwTR

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 23, 2023

Here Are Reactions From Cricket Fraternity On Passing Of Bishan Singh Bedi:

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

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary spinner and former skipper, Bishan Singh Bedi ji. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket. My heartfelt condolences to his family. ? #RIPBishanSinghBedi pic.twitter.com/ZsWOjVKIX8

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) October 23, 2023

Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. ?

— K L Rahul (@klrahul) October 23, 2023

Extremely saddened by the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji. His immense contribution to cricket will forever be remembered. May god give strength to his family and loved ones! pic.twitter.com/zDpSd4aUp2

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 23, 2023

A legend of Indian cricket. RIP Bishan Singh Bedi Sir. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones ?

— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) October 23, 2023

A genuine cricketing great, a proud Indian and a pure cricket lover moves on. The death of Bishan Bedi makes it a very sad day for India and for cricket. He was always encouraging and I will miss his easy laughter.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 23, 2023

Saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. Many of my predecessors in the Caribbean spoke of his guile and skill as a bowler and competitor in reverential tones.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 23, 2023

I’m sorry to hear about Bishan Singh Bedi sir’s passing away. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
May his soul rest in peace. @Imangadbedi pic.twitter.com/Fgw6tkAElx

— Dr. (Hon) Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Bishan Singh Bedi Sir, a legend and a true ambassador of the sport. His contribution to Indian cricket will be remembered forever.
My heartfelt condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/VKGb5lCEcO

— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 23, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Bishan Singh Bedi sir. A true cricketing legend who will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Sir.

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 23, 2023

Speechless, no words can express the pain. My Guru ,my mentor you will live in our hearts forever thank you for all the love ,blessings & guidance . Wahe Guru Mehr Kare Om Shanti our very own Bishen Pajji ?? #bishanbedi pic.twitter.com/j4JOaVmLDa

— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) October 23, 2023

MCC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Honorary Life Member and former @BCCI Test captain, Bishan Bedi.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/yFU8FlG7RP

— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) October 23, 2023

Saddened by the passing away of Bishan Singh Bedi ji. Thoughts & Prayers are with his family. Om Shanti! ?

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) October 23, 2023

A legend of Indian cricket. RIP Bishan Singh Bedi Sir. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones ?

— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear the loss of Bishan Paaji. He was someone who always had my back and who genuinely shared his thoughts on the game. Cricketing fraternity will miss him dearly. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 23, 2023

The Sardar of Spin, and a legend of the game.

Stands of Kotla and the cricketing fraternity, will forever remember you.

RIP, Bishan Singh Bedi. pic.twitter.com/RDrpVEMkJW

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 23, 2023

One of ??'s greatest left arm spinners & former captain, Bishan Singh Bedi has passed away.

Our heartfelt condolences to the Bedi family. pic.twitter.com/u6QnMvqvxp

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) October 23, 2023

RIP to Indian spinning legend Bishan Bedi ? pic.twitter.com/JmPVgEdles

— England's Barmy Army ???????? (@TheBarmyArmy) October 23, 2023

220 seconds of the legend that he was. RIP, Bishan Singh Bedi. pic.twitter.com/ymiBhBNtEq

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened by the passing of the cricket legend, Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His impact on the sport is immeasurable, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) October 23, 2023