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Top 10 Lesser Known Facts About Late Bishan Singh Bedi - In Pics
Bishan Singh Bedi, the legendary Indian cricketer known for his graceful spin bowling and outspoken views on the sport, passed away at the age of 77 on October 23, 2023. Bedi's remarkable journey in the world of cricket spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the game. As a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, he was a key figure in the famous Indian spin quartet, contributing significantly to the success of the Indian cricket team. Beyond his on-field achievements, Bedi's colorful personality and strong opinions made him an iconic figure in the cricketing world. In this article, we pay tribute to the life and career of Bishan Singh Bedi, highlighting his little-known facets and lasting legacy in the sport.
Late Entry to Cricket:
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Bedi started his domestic cricket career with Northern Punjab at the age of 15, quite late by professional cricket standards, having only picked up the sport two years earlier.
World Record Bowling Figures:
He holds the world record for the most economical bowling figures in a 60-over One Day International (ODI) match among bowlers who completed their quota of overs, achieving figures of 12-8-6-1 during the 1975 World Cup.
Colorful Patka:
Bedi was known for his distinctive and colorful patka, a type of headgear, which made him stand out on the cricket field.
Captaining India:
He captained the Indian cricket team in 22 Test matches and secured notable Test victories during his captaincy.
Unconventional Decision:
Bedi made a highly unusual decision to concede an international cricket match in protest at the bowling tactics of Sarfraz Nawaz in a One Day International against Pakistan in 1978.
Economical Bowler:
He had a highly economical bowling style, which is evidenced by his maiden overs per Test, second only to Lance Gibbs.
Record-Breaking Wickets:
Bedi finished his first-class career with 1,560 wickets, a record for an Indian cricketer.
Artistic Bowling Style:
His bowling style was often described as graceful and artistic, known for its variations in flight and spin.
Rare Half-Century:
Despite his reputation as a specialist bowler, Bedi managed to score a half-century in Test cricket, with his highest score being 50 not out against New Zealand.
Distinctive Vaseline Incident:
Bedi accused John Lever of using Vaseline to illegally polish the ball in a Test match. Lever had been wearing Vaseline strips on his forehead to prevent sweat from dripping into his eyes, but Bedi suspected foul play. Lever was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.
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