On this day in 1946, one of India’s most iconic cricketers, Bishan Singh Bedi, was born in Amritsar. Known for his masterful spin bowling, Bedi played a pivotal role in Indian cricket’s golden era. With 67 Test matches under his belt, he claimed 266 wickets, including 14 five-wicket hauls and one remarkable 10-wicket haul.
His impeccable control and finesse earned him a place in the legendary quartet of spinners alongside Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, a group that shaped India’s bowling attack from 1966 to 1978.
Bedi’s career extended beyond his playing days as he became a revered figure, not just for his skill on the field but for his outspoken and principled approach to the game. Former Indian captain Kapil Dev, in a tribute to Bedi, praised him as a cricketer who stood firmly for the rights of players.
“Critics would call Bishan a rebel. Wrong. To me, he was a cricketer who knew his rights well,” Kapil Dev wrote, acknowledging Bedi’s efforts in advocating for better match fees, travel facilities, and accommodations for cricketers. His influence helped improve the standards for future generations of players.
A legendary journey from player to manager
Bedi also left his mark off the field, serving as a manager of the Indian cricket team during the 1990 tours of New Zealand and England. Additionally, he worked as a national selector and mentor to many upcoming spinners, including Maninder Singh and Murali Kartik, who admired his deep technical knowledge of the game.
As the captain of the Delhi Ranji team from 1974 to 1982, Bedi transformed the team into a dominant force in Indian domestic cricket, demonstrating his leadership abilities and cricketing insight. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the pitch, continue to inspire and influence cricketers around the world. Today, as we celebrate Bishan Singh Bedi’s birthday, we remember a legend who not only excelled as a cricketer but also as a staunch advocate for the players and the sport.
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