Farewell Bishan Singh Bedi: Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag attend last rites; family bids emotional adieu

Indian cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi, who passed away on Monday, October 23, was cremated in Delhi on Tuesday.

A number of big names from the Indian cricket fraternity, including Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, Mohammad Azharuddin and Zaheer Khan, attended the last rites of the former India captain and one of the greatest left-arm spinners of all time. Bedi (77) passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness.

Apart from Kapil, his 1983 World Cup-winning teammates Madan Lal and Kirti Azad were also present to pay their last respects, as was noted actor Sharmila Tagore, who is the wife of former India captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

Here’s a look at how the cricket fraternity, family and fans bid adieu to the great Indian cricketer.

Born in Amritsar in 1946, Bedi played 67 Tests for India and claimed 266 wickets at an average of 28.71, with 14 five-fers and one 10-wicket match haul. He was part of India’s legendary spin quartet, which included Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.

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“He was my captain, my mentor, my everything” - Kapil Dev

An emotional Kapil Dev described the late Bedi as his captain, mentor and everything. Speaking to reporters while attending the former left-arm spinner’s last rites at Delhi's Lodhi crematorium, Kapil was quoted as saying by ANI:

"We all have played cricket and we will all leave one day, but very few people come with a character, and those who have a character become successful...This is the biggest loss to Indian cricket, but more than that he was a great human being. He was my captain, my mentor, my everything.”

Another former India captain Azharuddin described Bedi as a great human being and the best spin bowler.

"I have not seen a better spin bowler than him. Bishan Ji was a great human being, he taught us a lot. It is a huge loss for the cricket fraternity," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Former India cricketer Kirti Azad described him as a complete fighter and best friend off the field.

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Son Angad Bedi and daughter-in-law Neha Dhupia share emotional note on social media

Earlier in the day, Bedi’s actor son Angad Bedi and daughter-in-law Neha Dhupia (also an actor) shared an emotional note on social media. The official statement on Bedi’s death read:

"Isn't it completely in Dad's character to bowl us over with the ultimate spin ball, one that even we never saw coming. While we are in shock and overcome with grief, we find solace that he lived a rich, fearless and full life that inspired many. We are moved by each and every message of love we have received, publicly and personally.

“Thank you to everyone for celebrating his grit, humour and giant heart. It is heartwarming to see how many generations Dad inspired through his life. Every day of his life was spent in devotion to his family and faith, and in service to his Waheguru. He epitomised living a life that was Nirbau- Nirvair and we are comforted in knowing that he is with His Beloved now," the statement added.

"Dad, we were blessed to have you as our fearless leader. We will strive to live by your motto- to observe and absorb. Keep guiding us from the great beyond. In love and faith, Anju Bedi," the family’s statement on late Bedi concluded.

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Soha Ali Khan posts picture of 'Tiger' Pataudi with 'Bishan uncle'

Sharmila Tagore’s daughter Soha Ali Khan went down memory lane and posted an old picture of her late father, the legendary Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and Bedi.

She shared the image with the caption, "RIP Bishan uncle. Somewhere over the rainbow."

A screen grab of Soha Ali Khan’s post.

Pataudi, regarded as one of India’s finest leaders, passed away in September 2011.

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Fans remember Bishan Singh Bedi during SA-BAN 2023 World Cup match

Cricket fans attending the South Africa vs Bangladesh 2023 World Cup match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai also paid tribute to the late Bedi with “Miss U” and “RIP" posters.