'One of our best is no more' - Cricket fraternity pays tribute as India Spin Legend Bishan Singh Bedi passes away at 77

The cricketing world paid tribute to Bishan Singh Bedi after the legendary Indian spinner breathed his last at the age of 77. One of the greatest spinners the country has ever produced, Bedi passed away on Monday, October 23, after a prolonged illness. The Amritsar-born cricketer, who made his international debut in Test cricket in December 1967, went on to captain India in 22 Tests as well. 

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"The Indian Cricket Board mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times. May his soul rest in peace," the governing body of Indian cricket wrote on its official X (formerly known as Twitter) handle. 

Bedi played 67 Test matches from 1967 to 1979 and scalped a total of 266 wickets at an average of 28.72 with best bowling figures of 7/98 in an innings. Known for his mastery over flight and spin, Bedi was instrumental in revolutionising Indian spin bowling along with Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan. 

Bedi has also played 10 ODIs for India and has taken seven wickets. Notably, his role was predominant in India's maiden ODI win. With figures of 12-8-6-1, the left-arm orthodox held East Africa to 120 runs in a 1975 World Cup match. Bedi has represented Delhi in domestic cricket and has an excellent record in first-class cricket. In 370 matches, he has taken 1560 wickets, including 106 five-wicket hauls and 20 ten-wicket hauls.  

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Here's how the cricket fraternity reacted to the demise of the legendary Indian spinner 

Cricketers, former cricketers, cricket experts and fans across the country paid tributes to the Indian great. Former India captains Mithali Raj and Virat Kohli, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble, prominent cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and many others paid their respects on social media. 

The 'Sardar of Spin' is no more. Saddened by the news of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi ji passing away. He'll always be among the best bowlers to have represented India. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/guGRBynwTR

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 23, 2023

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I’m sorry to hear about Bishan Singh Bedi sir’s passing away. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
May his soul rest in peace. @Imangadbedi pic.twitter.com/Fgw6tkAElx

— Dr. (Hon) Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) October 23, 2023

Saddened to hear about Bishan sir. A cricket legend and a wonderful human being. He’ll be missed dearly. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏🏾

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 23, 2023

Sad to hear about the demise of the great Bishen Singh Bedi, apart from being a great cricketer, he was an affable person and went the extra mile to help young cricketers. 🙏🙏🙏

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear the loss of Bishan Paaji. He was someone who always had my back and who genuinely shared his thoughts on the game. Cricketing fraternity will miss him dearly. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened by the passing of the cricket legend, Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His impact on the sport is immeasurable, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) October 23, 2023

Bishan singh bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji.
My condolences to the family 🙏🏽

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 23, 2023

Extremely saddened by the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji. His immense contribution to cricket will forever be remembered. May god give strength to his family and loved ones! pic.twitter.com/zDpSd4aUp2

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 23, 2023