The Indian team players were spotted wearing black armbands during their sixth clash of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 against England in Lucknow on Sunday. Rohit Sharma’s team donned the armbands to pay tribute to the former India captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who passed away last Monday, aged 77.

Bedi took part in 67 red ball games for India between 1967 and 1979 where he picked up 266 wickets. He also scalped seven wickets in 10 One-Day Internationals. Bedi was a key player in India’s first win in 50-over format. His outstanding bowling figures of 12-8-6-1 restricted East Africa to 120 in a 1975 World Cup fixture. 

The Amritsar-based player proved his mettle for Delhi in the domestic format and is still the leading wicket-taker amongst Indians in First-Class cricket with 1,560 wickets in 370 matches. Bedi also plied his trade in the English County cricket circuit where he represented Northamptonshire in 102 outings, between 1972 and 1977, and claimed 434 wickets for the Northants.

Earlier, Bishan’s son Angad Bedi who is also the Bollywood actor took to his social media and shared a note.  “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 in knowing 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,” read the note. 

Talking about the game between India and England, Jos Buttler won the toss and invited India to bat first In Lucknow. The Indians had a below-average start as they lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in quick intervals. Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer are currently batting at the crease and will look to power India to a decent total against England on Sunday.

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

England (Playing XI): Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w/c), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.