Hyderabad: Top politicians and sports personalities paid rich tributes to legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who died on Monday, describing him as one of the best bowlers the country has produced and one who went out of the way to help youngsters.
Bedi, who played 67 Tests between 1967 to 1979 and took 266 wickets, died at his home here after a prolonged illness. He was 77 and is survived by his wife Anju, son Angad and daughter Neha.
Calling him "one of the greatest sporting icons", President Droupadi Murmu said Bedi was among those few who elevated spin bowling into an art. "In the demise of Bishan Singh Bedi, the country has lost one of its greatest sporting icons. Bishan Singh Bedi was among those few who elevated spin bowling into an art. He was also instrumental in the growth of cricket and cricketers. He was held in high esteem by the cricket fraternity. I convey my condolences to the members of his family, the large community of cricket lovers and his admirers," the President posted on X, formerly Twitter.
-
In the demise of Bishan Singh Bedi, the country has lost one of its greatest sporting icons. Bishan Singh Bedi was among those few who elevated spin bowling into an art. He was also instrumental in the growth of cricket and cricketers. He was held in high esteem by the cricket…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">In the demise of Bishan Singh Bedi, the country has lost one of its greatest sporting icons. Bishan Singh Bedi was among those few who elevated spin bowling into an art. He was also instrumental in the growth of cricket and cricketers. He was held in high esteem by the cricket…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 23, 2023In the demise of Bishan Singh Bedi, the country has lost one of its greatest sporting icons. Bishan Singh Bedi was among those few who elevated spin bowling into an art. He was also instrumental in the growth of cricket and cricketers. He was held in high esteem by the cricket…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 23, 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his tributes and said Bedi would continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. "Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," PM posted on X.
-
Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2023Deeply saddened by the passing of noted cricketer Shri Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories. He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2023
The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar remembered how on his first senior tour of England in 1990, Bedi's guidance was of immense help. "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 piece of wisdom he shared. Today, there's an echoing silence where his voice used to be. The world seems a little emptier without you, Paaji. Rest in the eternal peace you so deserve", Sachin Tendulkar wrote.
-
"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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">"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"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
International Cricket Council also expressed condolence by posting on X. ICC wrote, "One of the greatest left-arm spinners of all time, former India captain, and an ICC Hall of Famer. RIP Bishan Bedi."
-
One of the greatest left-arm spinners of all time, former India captain, and an ICC Hall of Famer.
— ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
RIP Bishan Bedi.
➡️ https://t.co/FiBvYEoMmu pic.twitter.com/RYxQJCba6l
">One of the greatest left-arm spinners of all time, former India captain, and an ICC Hall of Famer.
— ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2023
RIP Bishan Bedi.
➡️ https://t.co/FiBvYEoMmu pic.twitter.com/RYxQJCba6lOne of the greatest left-arm spinners of all time, former India captain, and an ICC Hall of Famer.
— ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2023
RIP Bishan Bedi.
➡️ https://t.co/FiBvYEoMmu pic.twitter.com/RYxQJCba6l
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also mourned the demise. "The BCCI 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 BCCI posted on its X handle.
-
The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi.
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times.
May his soul rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oYdJU0cBCV
">The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi.
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times.
May his soul rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oYdJU0cBCVThe BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi.
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times.
May his soul rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oYdJU0cBCV
Expressing his condolences, Anil Kumble, former India captain and star spinner, said Bedi always supported him and shared his thoughts on the game. "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 (sic)," Kumble said.
-
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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2023Deeply 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
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recalled Bedi as an affable person who went the extra mile to help cricketers. "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 posted on X.
-
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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2023Sad 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
Former India stumper and chief selector Kiran More said Bedi's guidance was invaluable to him. "Deeply saddened by the loss of a cricketing legend and my personal mentor, #BishanBedi Paaji. His mastery of left-arm spin and wisdom transcended the game. His guidance has been invaluable to me. Rest in peace, my condolences to his family and dear ones #Cricket," More posted on X.
-
Deeply saddened by the loss of a cricketing legend and my personal mentor, #BishanBedi Paaji. His mastery of left-arm spin and wisdom transcended the game. His guidance has been invaluable to me. Rest in peace, my condolences to his family and dear ones #Cricket
— Kiran More (@JockMore) October 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Deeply saddened by the loss of a cricketing legend and my personal mentor, #BishanBedi Paaji. His mastery of left-arm spin and wisdom transcended the game. His guidance has been invaluable to me. Rest in peace, my condolences to his family and dear ones #Cricket
— Kiran More (@JockMore) October 23, 2023Deeply saddened by the loss of a cricketing legend and my personal mentor, #BishanBedi Paaji. His mastery of left-arm spin and wisdom transcended the game. His guidance has been invaluable to me. Rest in peace, my condolences to his family and dear ones #Cricket
— Kiran More (@JockMore) October 23, 2023
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina said that Bedi's impact on sports was immeasurable. "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," Raina wrote on the social media platform.
-
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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2023Deeply 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
Former India pacer Irfan Pathan too reacted with, "Bishan Singh Bedi One of our best is no more. It’s a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family."
-
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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2023Bishan 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
BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that Bedi defined an era of cricket. "Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time," Shah wrote on X.
-
Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and…
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and…
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 23, 2023Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and…
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 23, 2023
Historian Ramchandra Guha, who was one of the first to offer condolences, posted on X, "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."
-
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 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">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, 2023Deeply 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
Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh posted on X, "Saddened to learn about the demise of Indian Cricketing legend Bishan Singh Bedi today. The Former Indian team Captain gave India many memorable moments with his left-arm bowling. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and fans in this time of grief (sic)."
-
Saddened to learn about the demise of Indian Cricketing legend Bishan Singh Bedi today.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
The Former Indian team Captain gave India many memorable moments with his left arm bowling. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and fans in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/aZwzMolmRJ
">Saddened to learn about the demise of Indian Cricketing legend Bishan Singh Bedi today.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 23, 2023
The Former Indian team Captain gave India many memorable moments with his left arm bowling. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and fans in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/aZwzMolmRJSaddened to learn about the demise of Indian Cricketing legend Bishan Singh Bedi today.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 23, 2023
The Former Indian team Captain gave India many memorable moments with his left arm bowling. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and fans in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/aZwzMolmRJ
Also read - India's legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passes away
