23 October,2023 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bishan Singh Bedi with son Angad Bedi
Cricketing legend Bishan Singh Bedi passed away at the age of 77 on October 23. He died due to age-related prolonged illness. Bishan Singh Bedi was a left-arm spinner who also captained the Indian team in 22 matches. Born in Amritsar in 1946, Bedi played 67 Tests for India and took 266 wickets with 14 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul.
Bishan Singh Bedi made his first and final appearance in a film earlier this year with 'Ghoomer'. The film directed by R Balki featured the late cricketer's son Angad Bedi apart from Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher. The cricketer made a ameo appearance as a ciket commentator. Apart from Bishan Singh Bedi and Angad Bedi, the film also saw the reunion of the father-son duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.
"Balki sir has brought everyone together for the film. I'm excited that my dad will be seen on screen in the film that is dedicated to the sport he loves most and has contributed to," Angad told mid-day.com. A celebration of human resilience, 'Ghoomer' revolves around Kher's cricketer character who loses an arm and rises against the odds to pursue the sport. Saiyami played the paraplegic cricketer with Abhishek Bachchan as her coach.
Bedi played Test cricket for India from 1966 to 1979 and he formed part of the famous Indian spin quartet (Bedi, EAS Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar and S Venkataraghavan). The legendary spinner also captained the national side in 22 Test matches.
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He was also honoured with the Padma Shri Award in 1970. Bedi also represented Northamptonshire in English county cricket for many years.
In his condolence message Home Minister Amit Shah spoke about the mastery of Bedi's craft.
"Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary spinner and former captain of the Indian cricket team Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. Bedi Ji will live in our memories not only through his contribution to the cricketing world but also as the master of crafty bowling who could weave magic on the pitch. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and his fans in this hour of grief" the Home Minister posted on X.
