India's cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi passed away at the age of 77.

Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi, who was known for being part of a famous spin quartet, has died at the age of 77 after prolonged illness. 

The former Indian captain was regarded as one of the greatest spinners to have ever graced the game. 

Bedi, along with BS Chandrasekhar, S. Venkataraghavan and Erapalli Prasanna was considered as the most lethal spin quartet, that ignited a revolution in India's spin bowling.

Born in Amritsar, Bedi played cricket from an early age, and went on to play for Delhi at the first-class stage. 

He was among the top wicket-takers in first-class cricket, with a total of 1,560 wickets in 370 games.

Bedi claimed 266 wickets in 67 Tests, leading the team on 22 occasions after succeeding Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi as captain.

He also played 10 one-day internationals, taking seven wickets.

Bedi was a bold and sometimes rash voice in Indian cricket, known as much for impetuous commentary on other players as his stellar left-arm spin.

Several cricketers from India and around the world have paid tributes to the spin wizard.

Former India women’s captain Mithali Raj called Bedi the “Sardar of Spin” and said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he is one of “the best to have represented India”.

During England’s tour of India in 1976 and 1977, Bedi accused bowler John Lever of using petroleum jelly to polish the ball illegally – a charge later dismissed.

He was also the first captain to concede an international match in 1978 during a 50-over clash with Pakistan when umpires declined to call a wide after four successive bouncers by Sarfraz Nawaz.

Away from the cricketing field, Bedi worked behind the scenes to produce the next crop of Indian cricketers and had a huge influence on the domestic circuit. 

Additionally, Bedi, with his larger-than-life personality, did not mince any words when it came to presenting his blunt opinions. 

He was conferred the Padma Shri award in 1970 and CK Nayadu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.