Bishan Singh Bedi The Sardar of Spin

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To chronicle the 19-season first-class cricket career of Bishan Singh Bedi and trace the evolution of this monumental cricketer - from his humble background to scaling the heights of glory on cricket fields all over the world - is a challenge that at the very least, is daunting.

When it comes to Bishan, there is no grey. It is either black or white. This is what India's greatest all-rounder, and cricketer of the century, Kapil Dev says. As Mike Brearley the former England captain, stressed. "Bishan was no diplomat. He's been a man unafraid to speak his mind, even if at times it bordered on the intemperate.

It was his bowling that mesmerized batsmen and seemingly lured them to their doom. His methods were unique and he copped his share of criticism, but his technique and delivery were faultless.

Bishan Singh Bedi is the proverbial 'enigma wrapped in a mystery' as a cricketer and a human being. This book, to commemorate his 75th birthday, is an effort to separate the chaff from the grain; and try and spread the flavour and spice of a unique talent.

When I was asked to write a Foreword on the book to celebrate Bishan Singh Bedi's cricket and life, I wondered what could I write? How can I pen my thoughts on someone who is larger than life? On someone who was my first captain. He has been a huge influence. I can write so much on Bishan paaji. Can speak endlessly on him. But would that capture the personality of the man whose essence to cricket and life is worthy of a case study?

Indian cricket has seen many great personalities. I was fascinated by GRV (Viswanath). I came to know Sunny (Gavaskar). Played with Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin. But there was no one like Bishan paaji. I can't do justice writing about such a large-hearted man who believed in living life with a very positive attitude. To know Bishan paaji was like knowing all the good things of life and cricket. I am often asked who were the seniors I admired. There were many. But Bishan paaji topped the list for his amazing quality of teaching. He did not hold himself back if he saw injustice. He had a strong opinion and stuck to it. Of course, he was not the one to hurt people but it also did not mean that he would compromise with his views. If he took a stand, it was based on certain beliefs and principles that marked his game.

Among my early memories of Bishan paaji is the image of a player with his collars up and shirt buttons open. I was a kid. and was watching the Duleep Trophy match between North and Central. Bishan paaji was a star. I just could not take my eyes off him. He was not an athlete but he was always busy on the field, constantly doing some exercise or the other when he was not bowling or when he was fielding in the deep.

I also remember playing an Irani Cup match and watching him bowl. He made a big impression on me with his catching as he stood in the slips, and praised me for the half century I made. The best part of that match was travelling from Delhi to Bangalore by train and enjoying his company for more than two days of travel. He had so much to share with us youngsters in the team.

He was my first captain. He was also my first cricket manager when he took on the role in 1990 for the tours to New Zealand and England. I spent a lot of time with him, and believe me, it was education in cricket and life. He lived cricket every moment and gave quality time to the young members of the team, especially those on their first overseas tours.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages