Cricket world pays tribute to legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi

Former and current cricket players gave the late famous spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who passed away on Monday, heartfelt tributes, praising him as one of India's greatest bowlers ever and someone who went above and beyond to assist children.

Bedi passed away at home in this city following a protracted illness. He participated in 67 Test matches between December 1966 and 1979, taking 266 wickets. He was 77 years old, and his wife Anju, son Angad, and daughter Neha all predeceased him.

Sunil Gavaskar, a former captain of India, expressed sadness over the news and called Bedi the "finest" left-arm bowler he had ever encountered. "Sad news, for sure. According to the legendary batsman, he was the best left-hand bowler he had ever seen.

Also recalling his interactions with Bedi was Sachin Tendulkar. "'Sashu,' he would say with a tenderness that was unique to him.

"I was like a son to Bishan Paaji; I wasn't simply another cricketer. I received my first 100 in England under his patient coaching. We would eat meals on freezing New Zealand evenings, and I would remember every story he told and nugget of knowledge he imparted.

"Where his voice once spoke, there is now an echoing quiet. Without you, Paaji, the world looks a little emptier. Rest in the everlasting tranquility you so well deserve, Sachin said on X.

Ravichandran Ashwin, a seasoned off-spinner for India, praised Bedi as someone who went above and beyond to assist young cricketers, and Gautam Gambhir said Bedi's significant contributions would go on forever.

"I was shocked to learn of the renowned Bishan Singh Bedi's passing. In addition to being a fantastic cricketer, he was a kind man who went above and beyond to assist young cricketers, according to Ashwin.

"Extremely sorry by Bishan Singh Bedi ji's demise. He made an enormous contribution to cricket that will never be forgotten. God bless and provide courage to his loved ones and family. On X, Gambhir wrote.

Bedi was one of the four legendary spinners in Indian cricket, along with Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chadrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, who together constituted the backbone of India's bowling unit from 1966 to 1978.

Mohammed Azharuddin, another former India captain, too expressed his sorrow over Bedi's departure. Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, referred to Bedi as one of the best players the nation had ever produced.

Bijan Singh Bedi. One of our best has passed away. It's a loss for our cricket community, Pathan wrote on X.

Mithali Raj, a former captain of the Indian women's team, also paid respect to her. "Devastated to hear of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi's passing. He will always rank as one of India's top international bowlers. I offer his family and friends my sympathies.

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