Bishan Singh Giansingh Bedi is a legendary Indian cricketer, renowned for his exceptional left-arm spin bowling. Born on 25 September 1946, in Amritsar, Punjab, Bedi was one of the key members of India's famous spin quartet of the 1960s and 1970s, which also included Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest slow bowlers in the history of the game.
Bedi's bowling was characterized by his flawless action, subtle variations, and remarkable control over flight and spin. He had a calm demeanor on the field, and his ability to outwit batsmen with precision earned him widespread respect. In his Test career, he took 266 wickets in 67 matches, and his economy rate was remarkably low, making him one of the most economical bowlers of his era. He captained the Indian cricket team for a time and was known for his strong principles and straightforward nature.
Off the field, Bishan Bedi has been an outspoken critic of issues he perceives in cricket, especially related to sportsmanship and fairness. His contributions to Indian cricket as both a player and later a mentor and coach have cemented his status as a towering figure in the sport.
Bedi died in New Delhi on 23 October 2023, at the age of 77