One of the most distinctive cricketers of my youth, Bishan Bedi, has died.

A brilliant left handed spinner, he batted right handed but it was his headgear that made him stand out. He tended to wear patkas, a variant of the Sikh turban.

As a bowler he conceded only 2.14 runs an over in Test matches. Of those who took over 200 Test wickets only three other bowlers have better stats.

He eventually became India’s captain and showed his strength of mind by declaring a Test innings against West Indies early as a protest at their bowlers aiming more at the Indian batsmen than any attempt to get them out less dangerously. He made a similar decision in a one-day international against Pakistan.

Here he is taking 5 wickets (for 55) against Australia in Brisbane in 1977.

Bishan Singh Bedi: 25/9/1946 – 23/10/202. So it goes.