Ex-India cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi has passed away at the age of 77 following an extended period of illness. Bedi, a left-arm spinner who served as the captain of the Indian cricket team in 22 matches, had an active cricket career spanning from 1967 to 1979.
During this time, he represented India in 67 Test matches, securing an impressive 266 wickets. He also participated in 10 ODIs for India, taking a total of 7 wickets. In Ranji Trophy cricket, Bedi was a stalwart, leading the Delhi team to consecutive titles in 1978-79 and 1980-81. Additionally, he made a significant impact in County cricket, featuring in 102 First-Class matches for Northamptonshire and amassing an impressive tally of 434 wickets between 1972 and 1977.
Members of the cricket community expressed their condolences for the passing of the legendary Indian cricketer on various social media platforms.
Former Indian batsman and wicket-keeper Robin Uthhappa took to his X(formerly Twitter) handle and wrote,
“Saddened to hear about Bishan sir. A cricket legend and a wonderful human being. He’ll be missed dearly. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. May his soul rest in peace.🙏🏾”
“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.”, wrote former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Azharuddin.
“Bishan paji 💔 RIP #bishanbedi 🙏 condolences to my brother
@Imangadbedi and family . Waheguru”, tweeted Harbhajan Singh.
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“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.”, wrote Dinesh Karthik along with a picture of Bishan Singh Bedi.
“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!”, Gautam Gambhir wrote in his tweet.
“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.”, read the tweet posted on the official X handle of Delhi Capitals.
Kolkata Knight Riders also took to their social media handle of X and said,
“Rest in Peace, Bishan Ji 🙏
#BishanSinghBedi&rdquo
“My heartfelt condolences and thoughts with Bishan sir’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace 🙏”, tweeted Cheteshwar Pujara.
“Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”, said the BCCI Secretary in his tweet.
“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.”, read the tweet of Suresh Raina.