Bishan Singh Bedi’s words always had the depth of a life well lived and the world acutely observed

Bishan Singh Bedi was an iconic left-arm spinner, a philosopher, sharp observer of politics, and a man of the world. He had a larger-than-life presence, a laugh that reverberated, and a propensity to guffaw. He was part of the famous spin-quartet, had 266 Test wickets, and cared deeply for cricket. He was affectionate and abrasive, and spoke his mind about the BCCI and DDCA. He never believed in monopolies and preferred nuance, leaving the world poorer with his departure.

To be in the presence of Bishan Singh Bedi is to know what warm affection is, what righteous anger could be and to also recognise that sport is part of a larger life. The iconic left-arm spinner, who breathed his last in Delhi on Monday, was not just a cricketer, he had other shades too that ranged from philosopher to being a sharp observer of the nation’s politics.

As a great left-arm spinner, he gently lured batters to their doom and his words always had the depth of a life well lived and the world acutely observed.

In his 77 summers, with the prime years dedicated to cricket, as a player, coach, administrator and observer, Bedi gained immense stature. He had a larger-than-life presence, a laugh that reverberated from his belly before emerging from his mouth and black-humour was always a constant accompaniment.

Part of the famous spin-quartet, he was the first among equals despite the generous manner in which he always gave credit to Erapalli Prasanna, B.S. Chandrasekhar and S. Venkataraghavan. His numbers — 266 Test wickets and 1560 First Class scalps — are staggering.

An action that was easy on the eye and one that held many unfathomable secrets for befuddled rivals, followed by a twinkle in his eye and the propensity to guffaw remained the eternal blend of a fine professional soaked in the amateur spirit.

Playing for India or plying his trade in English Counties, Bedi found eternal friendships. One such was with Pakistan’s Intikhab Alam, now a distraught friend struggling with grief. Bedi remained a man of the world and knowledge had to be shared, be it with Anil Kumble, Shane Warne, Monty Panesar or Sunil Joshi. Not for Bedi the rigid boundaries of hyper-nationalism or regionalism.

Bedi could be affectionate and abrasive, he held no punches back but he cared deeply.