🏏Bishan Singh Bedi

📖In detail

This highly artistic left-arm spinner was a puzzle for the batsmen of his generation. He released the ball from as high as possible and had remarkable control, mastering every art of spin, from changes of pace to subtle variations. Batsmen were often deceived by his flight, arm ball, off-break and sudden quicker delivery.

He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Northern Punjab in 1961-62 at the age of 15 and later played for Delhi. He enjoyed great success with Northamptonshire, and captained India in 22 Tests, winning six.

His outspoken views often landed him in controversy, as when he objected to England fast bowler John Lever's use of Vaseline in 1976-77, and when he declared India's second innings closed at Kingston in 1976 in protest against intimidating West Indian bowling.

Born in Amritsar on 25 September 1946, Bedi later also coached the Indian team. Between 1966 and 1979 he played 67 Tests and took 266 wickets at 28.71, and he has 1,560 first-class wickets. He died on 23 October 2023.