One of the greatest cricketers to represent India, Bishan Singh Bedi, breathed his last on Monday. Bedi had been going through several health complications for the last two years. He was physically not in a great state but his evergreen smile never fade away. His legacy in Indian Cricket would be registered in reverential tones. He was the greatest left-arm off-spinner that India has ever produced. Not just his cricketing skills but his understanding of the game was unparalleled as well.
He was a vociferous advocate for preserving the long and rich tradition of Test Cricket. A great cricket erudite has left this world but at this moment we must celebrate his legacy, especially in test cricket.
Let’s revisit Bishan Bedi’s top 3 spells in the longest format of the game:
7/98 vs Australia, 1969
His best performance in his career came against the mighty Aussies at the hallowed Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Australian skipper Bill Lawry won the toss and put India to bat. India’s batting could not post too many runs in the first innings. The Kangaroos restricted India to 212.
In reply, Australia scored 335 runs but it was the mammoth effort from Bedi which prevented Australia from scoring more runs. He bowled an arduous spell of 50 overs and took 7 wickets. India eventually lost but this magical spell from Bedi goes down as one of the best bowling performances on Indian soil.
6/42 vs New Zealand, 1969
Another memorable performance from Bedi came in the same year. The Kiwis were on the Indian tour and Bedi left his imprint on that series. In the first match, in Bombay, Bedi played a huge role in India’s victory which was the only win for India in that series.
In the second innings, New Zealand was chasing 187 and Bedi’s spell absolutely forced the Kiwis to surrender in that run chase. Bedi dismissed Hedley Howarth to complete India’s memorable win and give India the lead in that series.
6/71 vs England, 1977
Another Bedi masterclass in 2nd innings but this time in Bengaluru, in the later phase of his career. Bedi was approaching the end of his career but the skill and artistry with the ball was still intact.
In the second innings England was chasing 318 runs but was bundled out for 177 because Bedi weaved his magic with his scintillating art of spin.