Bishan Singh Bedi
Former Indian Cricketer
New Delhi (INDIA)
Ancestry & Birthplace:
Amritsar, Punjab (India)
Residence:
New Delhi (INDIA)
SUAVE, CONVICTION & HARD WORK: A PERFECT recipe for SUCCESS
A veteran cricketer, stupendous spinner and man of strong opinions, he is a renowned name in the world of Cricket. He wore a colourful turban and has voiced candid and forthright views on cricketing matters.
Born on 25 September 1946, I was the youngest after four sisters. My father, Sardar Gyan Singh Bedi, was a Gandhian and the President of the district Congress Committee and a social worker. As he was a man of peace and dignity, he was respected by everybody. My mother was the always caring and loving housewife. While my father taught me the importance of a disciplined life, my mother taught me the importance of independence and my sisters doted on me, and I spent a lot of time playing in the courtyard of our large ancestral home. During those times, I’d often play marbles and had to do my laundry myself. Little did I know that those were the best exercises for my fingers and shoulders because spin bowling requires suppleness of limbs. When I look back, I feel I was destined to be a spin bowler, but I didn’t know that at the time.
I don’t remember much about early school, but I do remember there was a teacher called Uma Behl. She came to the class smelling of Godrej talcum powder. I found that smell so intoxicating that I never missed her class. The impact was so powerful that for the greater part of my life, I used Godrej talcum powder.
I wanted to be a pace bowler
I was fed on rich Punjabi food and ended up gaining quite a few extra pounds by the time I was 12. Losing weight became utterly important, and I was contemplating whether to continue with Tennis or Cricket. That was the time when I listened to a radio commentary of an India vs West Indies match in which Subhash Gupte took nine wickets. Life took a different turn at that very moment. I wanted to emulate at least, if not outdo, Gupte’s leg-spin someday. So, by the age of 12, there I was trying to tame those 22 yards.
Although I wanted to be pace bowler, my coach, Gurbachan Singh, at Amritsar Gymkhana insisted that I try spin bowling since my fat body was more suited for it. I started taking his advice more seriously after that commentary. When I joined the Khalsa College, I realised that opting for spin bowling was a wise decision because my college direly needed a left-arm spinner. In college, Professor Gyan Prakash became my guru who taught me not only how to bowl but also taught me how to use my mind. He was phenomenal in helping me develop my cricketing sense. Then there was my captain Gurupal Singh who supported me to the best of his abilities in every way.
I got Rs 700 for my first Test
By 15, I was picked up by the state team, Northern Punjab, since there was no unified Punjab team at that time. So, playing for Northern Punjab, I debuted my Ranji career in 1962. Representing Northamptonshire in English county cricket for many years, I finished my career with 1560 wickets in first-class Cricket – more than any other Indian. I made my debut at the age of 21 for the Indian team in 1966 against West Indies at Kolkata, where my entry was not fancied, but my style of playing was acknowledged. I was paid only Rs 700 for that match. Then in 1968-69, I was selected for Delhi, where I continued to play till my retirement.
Soon after, I met my first wife Glenith at a party in Melbourne during India’s 1967-68 tour of Australia, we fell in love and got married in 1969. We had two children, Gavasinder and Gillinder. The son was named after the Indian legend and friend Sunil Gavaskar. I had the perfect life with a successful career and a happy family, but as fate would have it, Glenith returned to Australia, her home country. Gavasinder and Gillinder went with her.
After some time, I met Anju Inderjit and we got married. With her, I have two children, Angad and Neha. All four of my kids are doing well in their respective fields and I am proud of their accomplishments. Angad, in fact, played Cricket up to under-19 level for Delhi. Later he moved into a modelling and acting career, and is an actor in Bollywood and reality TV shows. He is married to an Indian actress, Neha Dhupia, and they have a daughter, Mehr Dhupia Bedi.
Controversies have never left me alone
I was a shy and quiet child, but as I grew up, I ended up becoming quite vocal about my rights as a player. Consequently, I was often at loggerheads with the cricket board and for this reason was embroiled in controversies. Like after the disastrous 1974 India’s tour of England, I was made scapegoat and ended up being suspended. But perhaps you might already know that. But what you wouldn’t know is that during that tour, I had raised my concerns over lesser remuneration and the board felt offended. Then in 1975, there was row episode when I raised my concerns about the poor accommodations and the board decided not to pay for my rail tickets. During those days, I would often question the board about my rights as a player and was always at the receiving end because of it.
It’s not that I was in controversies only when I was playing. When I was coaching the Indian team in 1990, I was so disappointed with their performance that I said I will drown them in the sea. Much hue and cry was made about it and I accept it was a very negative thing to say. But then again for me, Cricket is something very pristine and divine and precious to me. I tend to get annoyed if the game suffers a loss of face.
I want to play Cricket even in my afterlife
Playing 67 Tests for India from 1966 to 1979, I took 266 wickets and also captained the team in 22 matches. Although I took retirement long ago in 1979, I still wake up around 4am and meditate because I am an ardent believer in the power of spirituality. These two practices have always helped me overcome many a stressful situation and have kept me fresh and committed. I have a farmhouse near Mehrauli named Cricket Abode – that’s exactly what it is. It has a huge pitch outside and a library full of Cricket books inside. For me, Cricket is not only my profession but also an art which I respect and worship. The game has evolved in many ways, but I love it as I loved it when I took it.
Philosophy
I hope for the best, but I’m also prepared for the worst.
I love…
Reading, spending time with my family and watching sports.
I’d suggest the youth…
Never to tolerate foul play. You might be judged for taking a stand, but don’t let that stop you from doing the right thing.
Success Mantra
Be passionate about everything you love.
The world doesn’t know that…
In the 1975 World Cup, when the bowlers were allowed to deliver 12 overs, I finished with 12 overs-8 maidens-6 runs-1 wicket against East Africa at Headingley. It became the world record for the most economical bowling figures in a 60-over ODI match.
AKA
Sardar of Spin | Slow left-arm orthodox bowler | Indian spin quartet
Gallery
ISBN : 9788193397695