23rd October 2023, Mumbai: Death is unavoidable, but it is especially painful when someone who has touched many lives suddenly passes away. Bishan Singh Bedi, the father of actor Angad Bedi and a former spinner for the Indian cricket team, died recently. At the time of his death, he was 77 years old. Let us learn more about this awful news.
End of an Era: Cricket Icon Bishan Singh Bedi’s Demise Leaves the Sporting World in Mourning
According to India Today, former India cricket team captain and famed spinner Bishan Singh Bedi died on Monday, October 23rd. Bedi was 77 years old when he died. As of today, the cause of his death is unknown. His son, Angad Bedi, is a Bollywood actor who has acted in a number of films and television shows.
About Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi, born in Amritsar, Punjab on September 25, 1946, commenced his cricketing journey in 1966 and represented the Indian cricket team until 1979. In a highly accomplished career, he featured in 67 Tests, claiming 266 wickets. Additionally, he secured seven wickets in ten ODIs, playing a pivotal role in India’s inaugural ODI victory. Bedi played a crucial role in India’s 1971 series triumph against England, captaining the team when Ajit Wadekar was injured.
Regarded as one of India’s finest spinners, Bedi made a remarkable debut with 21 wickets in his inaugural series. His subtle bowling variations often perplexed batsmen, evident in his notable performances, including 25 wickets against England, 18 against West Indies, and impressive figures against England and Australia.
Beyond his international career, Bedi left an indelible mark in domestic cricket, notably captaining Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, leading them to titles in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981.
He said that he had always washed his own clothes, calling it “the best exercise for your shoulders and fingers”, when pointing out that spin bowling requires suppleness of limbs. In November 1978, he became the first captain to concede an international cricket match. In a One Day International against Pakistan at Sahiwal(Pakistan), India with 8 wickets in hand, required 23 runs from 14 balls. Bedi, however, recalled the batsmen from the crease and conceded the match in protest at the bowling of Sarfraz Nawaz who had bowled 4 bouncers in succession with not one being called wide by the umpires. Bedi had expressed strong opinions on many aspects of modern-day cricket and had been described as “being jealous of modern day great spinners”.In particular, he was a vehement critic of the bowling action of Muttiah Muralitharan (“if Murali doesn’t chuck, then show me how to bowl”) which he bluntly referred to as cheating and likened to a javelin throw] and shot putting, saying that Muralitharan would “complete 1000 Test wickets but they would count as mere run-outs in my eyes”
May his soul rest in peace.
by- Vaishnavi Rastogi