ishan Singh Bedi, affectionately known throughout India as the “sardar of spin,“ died on October 23 after a prolonged battle with age-related ailments. He was 77.

Born in the vibrant city of Amritsar in the Punjab, Bedi’s cricket journey commenced during his school days. At the young age of 20, he became the 113th cricketer to represent India in Test matches.

Over an illustrious 13-year career, he etched his name into cricket history, claiming 266 wickets at an average of 28.71. He was an integral part of the celebrated and winning quartet of Indian spin bowlers during the 1960s and ’70s. This formidable spin attack also included Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.

Beyond the boundaries of the Indian subcontinent, Bedi left his mark in English county cricket, notably representing Northamptonshire and amassing an impressive 434 wickets in six seasons.

He ended his career with a staggering total of 1,560 wickets, a record unmatched by any other Indian bowler.

In 1976, Bishan Singh Bedi was entrusted with the captaincy of the Indian cricket team. Under his leadership, the team achieved memorable victories, most notably a historic Test match triumph against the West Indies, where India scored a then-record 406 runs in the fourth innings.

However, a series of Test match losses to England, Australia and Pakistan led to a change in leadership, as Sunil Gavaskar took over the captain’s mantle.

Known for his lively, generous and gentlemanly manners, Bedi attained the status of a great statesman of the game, unhesitant in expressing his unwavering convictions. During the pinnacle of his career, when an opponent managed to strike a boundary through the covers, his response was a gracious “well played.”

This sportsmanship extended even to formidable adversaries; for instance, when David Hughes of Lancashire hit him for 26 runs in a single over during a Gillette Cup final, Bedi applaudingly acknowledged each of the three sixes.

Bedi’s dedication to cricket transcended the field. He ardently advocated on behalf of his fellow cricketers for improved match fees, lodging and travel accommodations. Being of a rare blood group, he selflessly donated blood during a Cavaliers tour in Karachi in response to a newspaper’s appeal for assistance.

Bedi’s cricketing career was characterised by his outspoken nature, frequently entangling him in controversies. Notably, after India’s historic record-breaking run-chase, the West Indies adopted an aggressive four-fast bowlers strategy for the 4th Test. In response to what he perceived as intimidating and dangerous bowling by the opposition, Bedi took a bold stand by declaring India’s second innings at a mere 97-5. He cited concerns about the fitness of his players to continue batting. The match ended with West Indies emerging victorious by ten wickets.

Bedi’s dedication to cricket transcended the field. He ardently advocated on behalf of his fellow cricketers for improved match fees, lodging and travel accommodations.

In 1977, Bedi accused English left-arm fast bowler John Lever of employing Vaseline to manipulate the ball’s swing during a tour of India. It’s worth mentioning that Lever was subsequently exonerated of any wrongdoing.

Bedi’s penchant for making headlines continued in November 1978 when he became the first captain to concede an international cricket match. This unprecedented act occurred during a One Day International against Pakistan. India, with eight wickets still in hand, required 23 runs from just 14 balls to secure victory.

In protest against the perceived unfairness of the bowling tactics employed by Sarfraz Nawaz, who had bowled four successive bouncers, none being called as wides by the umpires, Bedi withdrew his batsmen from the crease.

In 1990, while serving as the national coach, Bedi made waves by threatening to abandon the Indian team at sea following a defeat against Australia.

In 2002, he unleashed a scathing critique of Sri Lanka’s spin legend, Muttiah Muralitharan, making some controversial statements, including “If Murali doesn’t chuck, then show me how to bowl,” and downplaying Muralitharan’s achievement by suggesting that his wickets should be considered mere run-outs.

The principled stands Bedi took extended beyond the realm of cricket.

To protest against the installation of a statue honouring a deceased politician affiliated with the ruling BJP at the main cricket stadium in Delhi, he insisted that his name be removed from a stand.

During an award ceremony, he asked the then-Australian coach, John Buchanan, “Tell us, John, have you made this Australian team great, or have they made you?”

In the hearts and minds of those who admired him, Bishan Singh Bedi will forever live as a cricketing legend steadfast in his beliefs.

His love for dogs was evident in his dedication to various breeds he brought home during his sojourns in the UK.

His son, Angad Bedi, made a name for himself as an Indian actor and former model, while his daughter-in-law, Neha Dhupia, also starred in a number of Bollywood movies.

His daughter aptly remembers their home filled with camaraderie, laughter and the warmth of family and friends. Perhaps that’s how everyone should remember him.

The writer is a digital communication expert and consultant currently working in the public sector. He is the mastermind behind the digital platforms, Sukhan, Mani’s  ricket Myths and Over The Line