'Sardar of Spin’ leaves indelible mark

Bishan Singh Bedi, the former captain of the Indian cricket team who passed away at the age of 77 on October 23, was a man who stood apart from the fast-paced world and those with deceptive intentions.

At his prime, he was the cornerstone of Indian cricket, celebrated for his exceptional skills as a left-arm orthodox bowler.

Bedi’s bowling action, characterized by its graceful and balletic footwork, left an enduring mark on the sport. When he bowled, even the world’s finest cricketers would pause in amazement, enthralled by his artistry.

His run-up was a paragon of elegance, unhurried and fluid, often described as “poetry in motion” by the best players. At a time when the game and its fans were captivated by imposing fast bowlers trying to intimidate batsmen, Bedi emerged as a gentle master of craftsmanship and subtlety.

Bedi was a beloved figure wherever he played, starting from his early days in Amritsar at the age of 15 when he represented Northern Punjab, to his time at Northamptonshire.

His impressive record of 1,560 first-class wickets remains the highest among Indian bowlers, with his 266 Test wickets representing a milestone that others would achieve much later.

Known as the “Sardar of spin,” Bedi epitomised classicism in Indian spin bowling, especially during a period when he shared the stage with fellow spinners Prasanna, Chandrasekhar, and Venkataraghavan, even though they only played together in a single Test match.

In his personal life, Bedi was anything but cunning. He cared deeply for his teammates, often more than a parent would, as per his junior colleagues. The outpouring of love and respect he received from around the world is a testament to this.

Above all, Bedi was the sport’s eternal critic and conscience-keeper, unafraid to speak the truth to those in authority. He cared little for official reprimands if his words served as a wakeup call to those in power, a rare trait indeed.

His legacy in the game will endure. Bedi strongly believed that “art is universal,” he was willing to share his bowling tips, even with Pakistani spinners during a crucial Test match in 1987 played on a challenging pitch, which India ultimately lost.

Bedi, a vibrant personality with strong convictions about players’ rights, did not always enjoy popularity with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In 1974, he found himself excluded from a Test match against the West Indies in Bengaluru.

This decision came in the aftermath of an interview with the BBC, during which the cricketer made critical remarks about the cricket administrators, following India’s defeat to England earlier in the same year.

During his active years in the sport, he consistently defied conventional norms, earning the label of a maverick from the establishment.

Later on, he shifted his focus to roles in administration and coaching, driven by his profound passion for the game. He displayed a willingness to assume various responsibilities, including that of a tour manager, yet always on his own conditions.

Many individuals in his position might have grown resentful, but Bedi remained a steadfast admirer of cricket until the end. Goodbye, Mr. Bedi; there will never be anyone quite like you again.