Bishan Bedi, 'a moral beacon for all those who knew him'

The cricket community mourns the death of one of its finest

23-Oct-2023

Bishan Bedi at a press conference, Delhi, October 12, 2012

Bishan Singh Bedi was a colossus of the game. One of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the game and, after his playing days were over, perhaps the most unafraid, outspoken critic of everything that didn't go down well with him. The cricket world noted his death on Monday with grief, but it was also a time to celebrate a true legend.

BS Chandrasekhar, Bedi's longtime friend and fellow member of the great spin quartet, told PTI: "I have shared such a long friendship with Bedi. He was so much more than a teammate, a true friend whom I could call anytime and speak. It's a huge personal loss.

"He was a terrific bowler. His use of crease and angles were just stunning. Batsmen often were made nervous by the prospect of facing him, he had just about every trick up his sleeve, not to mention his flight."

Intikhab Alam, the former Pakistan captain, wrote in the Indian Express, "I am heartbroken. I have lost a part of my heart today. I can't express in words how I am feeling. I have lost a friend, a younger brother. Last year, around the same time, we met at the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara. He forced me to sing Louis Armstrong's songs, held my hand, we smiled, we cried. Those were some of the most beautiful few hours of my life. I can still recall his smiling face, waving us goodbye once he crossed the border."

When contacted, Sunil Gavaskar said, "Sad news indeed. He was the finest left hand bowler that I saw."

On social media, Indian - and other - cricketers past and present spoke of the man they knew.

"Sashu," he'd say with warmth that only he possessed. To Bishan Paaji, I wasn't just another cricketer; I was like a son. Under his nurturing guidance, I scored my first 100 in England. On chilly NZ evenings, we'd sit over meals, and I'd hang on to every story he told, every… pic.twitter.com/z0ahschCvp
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 23, 2023

Sad to hear about the demise of one of India's greats and an inspiration for spinners around the world #BishanSinghBedi ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. Om
Shanti pic.twitter.com/xrvIWNj2Ke
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 23, 2023

Legendary spinner and someone who wasn't afraid to speak his mind, #BishanSinghBedi ji's passing away is a big loss . Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/THJZKILRXY
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 23, 2023

Saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. Many of my predecessors in the Caribbean spoke of his guile and skill as a bowler and competitor in reverential tones.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 23, 2023

Growing up our lives are moulded by the spirit, the gusto and sheer grace of people who we see and experience around us. Mr. #BishanSinghBedi was one of them. May God bless his soul & thank u Sir for teaching us so much about sports & life. You will be missed immensely. RIP
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 23, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi. He was a great cricketer and an even greater human being. He was a moral beacon for all those who knew him.
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) 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

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

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

#BishanSinghBedi's passing away is a huge loss to Indian cricket. He was an artist and inspired a generation of spinners. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/hPBICHWHGU
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) 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

He was one of the most respected cricketers around the world, and not just for his cricket.

A black rosette has been added to the portrait of Bishan Bedi in the Pavilion in his memory. https://t.co/rLyU9u7oQl pic.twitter.com/5T4jDGpbes
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) 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

Bedi sir was a mentor to me. At times when I was short of money, he made me focus on training rather than the fees and encouraged me to practice. He, along with my father, made me understand the value of hard work!

When he was angry he would say, "Come on son, run! Move your… pic.twitter.com/U3ndQbNdqG
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 24, 2023

Bishan Bedi India