India vs England of ODI World Cup 2023 is currently underway in Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. The Men in Blue are being invited to bat first after England won the toss. Team India are wearing black armbands during the game. This marks the respect of former India captain and spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who passed away recently last week at the age of 77. The legendary spinner was a member of the 1983 squad that won the World Cup for India.
Previously during the game between Australia and Netherlands, they observed a moment of silence in honour of the late spinner, the electronic scoreboard at the Arun Jaitley Stadium showed a black and white image of the legendary spinner. On Sunday, Rohit Sharma's side who are currently the only undefeated side in the tournament are wearing the black armbands. The two-time world champions have won 5 out of 5 matches in the tournament so far.
Bedi has been one of the most successful spinner for India. The 77-year-old spinner played 67 Tests for India between 1967 and 1979 and picked up 266 wickets. In 10 ODIs he picked seven wickets. He was an important member of India's first win against East Africa in 1975 he bowled 8 maidens.
Bishan Bedi: A legend for India
Bedi has played, for Delhi on the domestic circuit. He picked up 1,560 wickets in 370 matches, he is the leading wicket-taker among Indians in First-Class cricket. He was also a successful overseas player in English County cricket. Between 1972 and 1977, he played in 102 games for Northamptonshire, taking 434 wickets, the most by an Indian in County cricket.
England, have started the game well, taking the early wickets of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. The latter was dismissed for a duck. Chris Woakes and David Willey have picked up one wicket each. The skipper is still at the crease with him there at the ground the fans will expect some big scores against the defending champions.
Here's how fans reacted
That’s good decision to give tribute to the legend of the game 🫡
— CricXtra (@CricXtra_) October 29, 2023
Respect to legend, good decision
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 29, 2023
Mr. Bedi deserved much more than that
— Qamar Zahoor (@qamarzahor) October 29, 2023
I already said on the day of his death
— cricketbuzz⁴⁵ (@Mohdyasir6911) October 29, 2023
Respect ❤️
— Radha Rani💗 (@radharanivideos) October 29, 2023
RIP 🙏🙏
— Andy (@Jasmin85923001) October 29, 2023
Sorry But Muje Laga Pakistan 🇵🇰 Team WC se Out ho Gayi so Phena hai😉
Rip legend 🙏🙏🙏
— Rahul chopra (@ChopraRahul23) October 29, 2023
So sad
— Tahir Bhatti (@TahirBh09402843) October 29, 2023
Om Shanti🙏🙏
— Cricket Freak (@Cricjunction008) October 29, 2023