Team India paid a heartfelt tribute to the late legendary spinner and former India captain, Bishan Singh Bedi, during their World Cup game against England. The players, led by Rohit Sharma, donned black armbands in a poignant gesture to honor Bedi, who passed away last Monday at the age of 77.
Bishan Singh Bedi's remarkable cricket career left an indelible mark on the sport. He featured in 67 Tests for India from 1967 to 1979 and claimed 266 wickets. Additionally, he made significant contributions to One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he played a pivotal role in India's early successes. Notably, his economical spell of 12-8-6-1 during the 1975 World Cup restricted East Africa to a mere 120 runs, setting the stage for India's victory.
Born in Amritsar, Bedi represented Delhi on the domestic circuit and remains the leading wicket-taker among Indian cricketers in First-Class cricket. His astonishing tally of 1560 wickets in 370 matches highlights his exceptional skills and consistency.
Beyond Indian cricket, Bishan Singh Bedi also left an indelible impact on English County cricket. He was one of the most successful overseas players during his stint with Northamptonshire, where he made 102 appearances from 1972 to 1977. Bedi's exceptional performance for Northants resulted in him securing 434 wickets, setting a record as the most wickets taken by an Indian cricketer in County cricket.
The black armbands worn by Team India symbolize the deep respect and admiration for Bedi's contributions to Indian cricket and his revered status as one of the sport's legendary spin bowlers. This tribute also serves as a poignant reminder of his significant role in the development of Indian cricket during his illustrious career.