Former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passes away at 77, tributes pour in on Twitter

Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on October 23, Monday at the age of 77. Bedi was arguably one of the greatest left-arm spinners India have ever produced. Bedi, who made his international debut in 1966, has played a total of 67 Tests and took 266 wickets. He has captained the national team in 22 matches in the longest format of the game. The former cricketer was well known for his straightforward views on cricketing matters. Bedi debuted for Northern Punjab at the age of fifteen. He subsequently joined the Delhi team in 1968, where he set a record with 64 wickets in the Ranji Trophy season of 1974–75. From 1972 to 1977, Bedi played for Northamptonshire in English county cricket. The Amritsar-born cricketer ended his first-class career with 1560 wickets, a higher total than any other Indian. His best first-class bowling performance was 7/5 for Delhi against Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi in 1974-75. Meanwhile, His best Test bowling numbers were 7/98 against Australia in Calcutta (former name of Kolkata) in 1969-70, and 10/194 against the same team in Perth in 1977-78. In 1976, Bedi was named India's captain, replacing Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. His maiden Test victory as skipper was against the West Indies in the third Test of the 1976 series at Port-of-Spain. After that, he captained the team that won the home series against New Zealand 2-0. But Sunil Gavaskar took over as captain following consecutive Test series defeats against England, Australia, and Pakistan, respectively. In terms of maiden overs per Test, Bedi trails Lance Gibbs by 16.35 to 16.62. Despite having only played two ODIs, he holds the world record for the most economical bowling figures in a 60-over ODI match. For his unwavering contributions to the sport, Bedi was awarded the Padma Shri in 1970 and the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Here's how Twitter reacted to Bishan Singh Bedi's demise: My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends during this challenging moment. @BishanBedi sir's memory will always hold a special place in our hearts. Indian cricket will forever be grateful for his contributions. 🙏#BishanBedi #CricketLegend pic.twitter.com/DSFcWhCtrp — Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) 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. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/guGRBynwTR — Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 23, 2023 Sad to hear about the demise of the great Bishen Singh Bedi, apart from being a great cricketer, he was an affable person and went the extra mile to help young cricketers. 🙏🙏🙏 — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 23, 2023 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. 🙏🏾 — Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 23, 2023 Bishan paji 💔 RIP #bishanbedi 🙏 condolences to my brother @Imangadbedi and family . Waheguru — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 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 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 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 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 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 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