Name Hindi: बिशन सिंह बेदी / Gender Coach
Bishen Singh Bedi: An Outstanding Cricketer
Bishen Singh Bedi, born on September 25, 1946 in Amritsar, Punjab, India is a famous Indian cricketer who has left an indelible mark in the world of cricket. Known for his slow, accurate and cunning delivery as a left-arm spinner, he was one of the key members of the formidable Indian spin quartet that included Erapalli Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.
Early Life & Cricket Career Beginnings
In his early days, Bishen Singh Bedi displayed an unwavering interest towards cricket. At age fifteen, he started playing at district level and quickly climbed up the ranks with his remarkable bowling talent. He made his first-class debut when he was just 17 years old.
Domestic Career and Achievements
- In 1961-62 domestic season he made waves by taking 21 wickets at an average of 20.81 which led to him being selected for North Zone team in Duleep Trophy.
- In his career spanning from 1965 to 1979, Bedi took more than 600 wickets in Ranji Trophy matches.
- The eminent player holds a unique record in domestic cricket where he captured all ten wickets in an innings while playing for Delhi against Northern Punjab.
- The outstanding athlete also played for Nottinghamshire between 1975 and 1980 wherein he clinched more than six hundred wickets at an average rate that is considered commendable in cricket history.
International Career Highlights
- Made his Test debut against West Indies in Kolkata in December 1966. In his debut match, he took three wickets.
- He played 67 Test matches for India from 1966 to 1979, leading the team in 22 of these games.
- Bishen Singh Bedi was also the first Indian cricketer who captained India in two World Cup tournaments (1975 and 1979).
- In total, he captured 266 wickets at an impressive average of 28.71 in his test career which is still considered as one of the best records by a spinner.
Post Cricket Career & Recognition
After retiring from cricket, Bishen Singh Bedi has actively stayed connected with the sport through coaching and commentary. He served as a coach for the Indian cricket team in early 1990s. He’s been regarded as an outspoken critic of unethical practices in cricket such as suspect bowling actions.
For his stellar contribution to Indian cricket, Bedi was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award by Government of India in 1972.
Inaugurated on his birthday, Feroz Shah Kotla stadium’s gate number three was renamed “Bishan Singh Bedi Gate” as a tribute to this legendary player for his service to Indian cricket.
Alice Lorene Larson
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