Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia issue first statement after Bishan Singh Bedi's demise, say 'bowled us over with the ultimate spin ball'

Angad Bedi and Bishan Singh Bedi

Bishan Singh Bedi Death: The cricketing legend passed away at the age of 77 on October 23. He died due to age-related prolonged illness. Bedi was a left-arm spinner who also captained the Indian team in 22 matches. Born in Amritsar in 1946, Bedi played 67 Tests for India and took 266 wickets with 14 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul.

On Tuesday, Bishan Singh Bedi's family issued an official statement speaking of the legacy of the late cricketer. Actor Angad Bedi, son of Bishan Singh Bedi, and daughter-in-law Neha Dhupai shared the statement on their official social media handle.

The heartwarming note read:

"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. It is heartwarming to see how many generations Dad inspired through his life. Every day of his life was spent in devotion to his family and faith, and in service to his Waheguru. He epitomised living a life that was Nirbhau-Nirvair and we are comforted in knowing that he is with His Beloved now. Dad, we were blessed to have you as our fearless leader. We will strive to live by your motto - to observe and absorb. Keep guiding us from the great beyond.

In love and faith,
Anju Bedi, Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia Bedi, Neha Bedi
Gautam Malhotra, Mehr Dhupia Bedi
Guriq Dhupia Bedi, Suhavi Bedi Malhotra".

Meanwhile, Bishan Singh Bedi made his first and final appearance in a film earlier this year with 'Ghoomer'. The film directed by R Balki featured the late cricketer's son Angad Bedi apart from Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher. The cricketer made a cameo appearance as a cricket commentator. Apart from Bishan Singh Bedi and Angad Bedi, the film also saw the reunion of the father-son duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.

Bedi played Test cricket for India from 1966 to 1979 and he formed part of the famous Indian spin quartet (Bedi, EAS Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar and S Venkataraghavan). The legendary spinner also captained the national side in 22 Test matches. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri Award in 1970. Bedi also represented Northamptonshire in English county cricket for many years.