Tributes paid as former Northants and India bowler Bishan Bedi dies

Bedi, who played for Northants between the years of 1972 and 1977, had been suffering from age-related illnesses and had undergone a few different surgeries in recent years.

The left-arm spin wizard was part of the County team that won the Gillette Cup at Lord's in 1976, the club's first major honour.

Bedi was one of the orginal 12 players inducted into the Northants Hall Of Fame in 2018.

He also played for Northern Punjab and Delhi, and played 67 Test matches for India - with 22 of them as captain.

Bedi claimed 266 Test wickets at 28.71 with a best of seven for 98 against Australia in 1969, while in first-class cricket he claimed an incredible 1,560 wickets, which is the the highest by any Indian bowler.

His career best figures in first-class cricket were five for seven!

Bedi retired from playing in 1980, and went on to coach in the Indian national team.

For Northants, Bedi was a huge success and an incredibly popular player.

He played a key role in that Gillette Cup final win over Lancashire at Lord's, claiming three for 52 from his 11 overs as Lancashire totalled 195 for seven in their 60 overs.

With the Red Rose cruising at 140 for three, it was Bedi who dismissed both David Lloyd and John Abrahams for 48 and 46 respectively to swing the final in Northants' favour.

He could then put his feet up in the dressing room as Northants claimed a four-wicket win with 11 balls to spare, mainly thanks to a 103-run opening partnership between Peter Willey (65) and Roy Virgin (53).

Writing on X, Northamptonshire CCC wrote: "Northamptonshire County Cricket Club is sad to learn of the death of spin bowler and Northamptonshire Hall of Fame Member, Bishan Bedi.

"Bishan played for the club between 1972 and 1977, and lifted the Gillette Cup in 1976 – the club’s first major domestic trophy."

The Indian cricket board, the BCCI, wrote: "The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times. May his soul rest in peace."

India star batter Virat Kohli, currently starring in the World Cup in his home country, said: "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi. My condolences to the family."

A black rosette has been added to Bedi's portrait in the pavilion at Lord's, and the MCC stated: "MCC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Honorary Life Member and former India Test captain, Bishan Bedi. Our thoughts are with his friends and family."