- Bishan Singh Bedi’s cricket legacy.
- Exceptional bowler and captain.
- Defender of cricket’s integrity.
A photograph of Bishan Singh Bedi at the crease, poised to deliver the ball with his feet scissored, right arm raised as if aiming, head cocked over his leading shoulder, stands as one of cricket’s most recognizable images. Bedi, one of the finest slow left-arm orthodox spinners in the history of the sport, had a languid delivery and approach, contradicting his malicious intent to deceive.
Capturing a still image of Bedi during any phase of his approach would result in an image embodying composure and harmony. No sculptor could chisel away at marble for countless hours and achieve a more flawless, unembellished, and minimalistic action.
Records and Achievements
Bedi retired with 266 Test wickets, more than any other Indian, at an average of 28.71 from 67 appearances during his career from 1967 to 1979. His deliveries left batters out for the count as the ball seemed to linger in the air indefinitely.
Bedi, who passed away at 77 following a prolonged illness that disrupted his daily life for over two years, was an overachiever. He captained Northamptonshire in county cricket, taking 434 wickets at an average of 20.89, accumulating 1,560 first-class wickets.
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He was not just an outstanding bowler but also a member of India’s renowned spin quartet, alongside Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.
Bedi’s intellectual approach to the game and charismatic personality made him a captain for India in 22 Test matches, including the triumphant pursuit of 403 runs against the West Indies in 1975.
Advocate for Cricket Integrity
Bedi was also known for advocating for causes. In 1976, he pronounced India’s innings closed against the West Indies at Sabina Park, claiming the fast bowlers were focused on hospitalizing India’s lower order.
He forfeited a one-day international against Pakistan when he believed Sarfaraz Nawaz was overusing the bouncer dangerously. His 1976 demonstration against John Lever in Chennai raised questions about the condition of the ball due to Vaseline on Lever’s forehead.
An Exceptional and Unconventional Figure
Bedi, even after retirement, maintained his individuality. He was more than deserving of having a stand named after him at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium, but he requested the removal of his name and membership termination after the stadium was renamed in honor of Arun Jaitley.
Bedi was a cricket devotee and a defender of the sport’s integrity, belonging to a rare breed of individuals who courageously confronted authority despite potential repercussions. The cricket community has lost a towering figure and a lifelong passion for the sport.
