By CricketCountry Staff
Former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi praised Munsur Ali Khan Pataudi during his book launch 'Bishan, Portrait of a Cricketer’, saying the Nawab encouraged youngsters during his time.
Published: Oct 01, 2011, 11:10 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 01, 2011, 11:10 AM (IST)
Bishan Singh Bedi said Sir Garfield Sobers was the best batsman he had ever bowled to © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
New Delhi: Oct 1, 2011
Former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi praised Munsur Ali Khan Pataudi during his book launch ‘Bishan, Portrait of a Cricketer’ saying the Nawab encouraged youngsters during his time.
“I was not even in the 15 when I was taken in the team for the Calcutta Test” against the West Indies in 1966-67, Bedi recalled. He praised Pataudi’s leadership and said the former India captain always encouraged youngsters.
“You score a 100 or take five wickets; all you got from Tiger was a nod. There was no jumping around, no hugging during those days” Bedi said. In obvious reference to the wild celebrations that mark even the fall of a wicket nowadays,” the legendary spinner said.
He also compared the present-day salaries of cricketers with what they used to receive during their playing days.
“We won three series in a row and the fee was increased to Rs. 2000,” Bedi said and emphasised that he was happy that the players were currently getting a lot more than during his time.
He rated Sir Garfield Sobers as the best batsman he had bowled to.
“It was a delight to be punished by him.” He picked Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble as present-day role models in Indian cricket.
“I was fortunate to have played the game; just for the love of it,” Bedi said.
