During their ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 match with England at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium on a Sunday (October 29), the members of the Indian cricket team donned somber black armbands.
This heartfelt gesture was in tribute to the late and esteemed spinner, as well as former captain, Bishan Singh Bedi, who had succumbed to health complications on October 23.
In an official statement made by the BCCI at the outset of the World Cup match, it was conveyed, “Team India will be honoring the memory of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi, who passed away on 23rd October, 2023, by wearing Black Armbands today.”
Bishan Singh Bedi is survived by his wife, Anju, and children, including his daughter Neha and son Angad, as well as Gavas Inder Singh and daughter Gillinder from his previous marriage to Glenith Miles. Over the past two years, the former cricketer’s health had deteriorated, leading to multiple surgeries, including one on his knee.
The late Bishan Singh Bedi, who departed last Monday after an extended period of illness at the age of 77, steered the Indian cricket team for two years from 1976 to 1978, participating in 22 Test matches and representing India in a total of 67 Tests and 10 ODIs from 1967 to 1979. Additionally, he captained India in four one-day internationals during the same period.
Upon his retirement, Bedi held the distinction of being India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests with 266 dismissals at an impressive average of 28.71. Bedi was a pivotal figure in India’s celebrated spin quartet, alongside Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.
Simultaneously, India faced a challenging start against England, with English pacers swiftly dismissing Shubman Gill (9), Virat Kohli (0), and Shreyas Iyer (4). Chris Woakes delivered a mesmerizing inswinger to clean bowled Gill, while Kohli’s departure was the result of an unusual shot that saw him caught at mid-off by Ben Stokes from David Willey’s delivery.
