'Would've been a great in any era' - ICC Chief Executive expresses condolences on Bishan Singh Bedi's demise

Former India captain and left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passed away in New Delhi on Monday, October 23 after fighting with prolonged illness. Bedi represented India in 67 Tests and ten ODIs and also captained the team in 22 matches. The Punjab-born cricketer scalped 266 wickets in 67 Tests at an average of 28.71 with 14 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul.

The entire cricketing fraternity is mourning the demise of the legendary spinner and the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Geoff Allardice also expressed his condolences on Bedi's demise. Allardice hailed his ability to excel in different conditions and stated that he would’ve been a great in any era.

“It’s sad to hear of the passing of Bishan Bedi. I would like to extend heartfelt condolences from everyone at the ICC to the family of one of the greats of the game and one whose exploits in Test cricket will be remembered for a long time. He was the kind of spinner who could excel in different conditions and would have been one of the greats in any era” Mr. Allardice said.

The left-arm spinner was also a part of the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame and scalped seven wickets from ten matches in ODIs. He also led India in 22 Tests and won six out of those while five were drawn.

Also Check: Tributes pour in for Former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi who passes away at 77

Bedi was also an inductee of ICC Hall of Fame

Bedi was one of the architects in India’s first-ever ODI win against East Africa during the 1975 World Cup. The left-arm spinner gave away just six runs in 12 overs during the game bowling at an economy of 0.50. He further registered eight maidens and managed to get one wicket in his long spell. 

Courtesy of his remarkable performance, East Africa were bundled out for just 120 in 55.3 overs and India won the game by ten wickets. After bidding adieu to the game in 1979, Bedi also served as the manager of the Indian Cricket Team in 1990 during tours of New Zealand and England.