Bishan Bedi, the India cricket great whose dazzling left-arm spin claimed 266 test wickets, has died.

He was 77.

“The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi,” the BCCI wrote on X.

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

Bedi was part of the famous Indian spin quartet with Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkataraghavan in the 1970s.

He grabbed his 266 wickets in 67 test matches, but played only 10 ODIs between 1974-79, picking up seven wickets. He took 1,560 first-class wickets — the most by any Indian bowler ever — playing for various teams including Delhi and Northern Punjab in India and Northamptonshire in England.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, saying on X: “His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories.

“He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his family and admirers.”

Bedi made an impressive test debut in a series against Australia in 1969-70 when he picked up 21 wickets.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul