Bishan Singh Bedi, former India captain and one of the greatest left-arm spinners, died on Monday at the age of 77 after battling prolonged illness.

Bedi is survived by his wife Anju, son Angad and daughter Neha.

"He breathed his last at his home this morning. He recently underwent a knee operation. The infection spread and he could not recover from that," said one of his close friends. 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.

He was the part of Indian cricket's golden quartet of spinners that also had Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chadrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. They formed the core of India's bowling unit for more than a decade between 1966 and 1978.

Bedi was briefly the manager of the Indian cricket team in 1990 during tours of New Zealand and England.

He was also a national selector and mentor to many talented spinners like Maninder Singh and Murali Kartik, who all swore by his technical insight.

Bedi was one of the most admired Indian captains and he led the team for nearly four years in Test cricket between 1975 and 1979 after Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's retirement.

In this file photo dated July 10, 2002, former Indian captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi with former cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, in New Delhi. PTI

Throughout his life, he remaind anti-establishment and his views often ruffled feathers of those in power.

He was the longest serving Delhi Ranji team captain from 1974to 1982 and under him the team became a force to reckon with national cricket circuit.

Condolences poured in on social media as the news of his death became public.

Cricketers recall Bedi as someone who went extra mile to help youngsters

Former and current cricketers paid rich tributes to legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, who died on Monday, describing him as one of the best bowlers the country has produced and one who went out of the way to help youngsters.

Senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin remembered Bedi as someone who went out of the way to help young cricketers, while former opener Gautam Gambhir felt the former left-arm spinner's immense contribution would be remembered forever.

"Sad to hear about the demise of the great Bishan Singh Bedi, apart from being a great cricketer, he was an affable person and went the extra mile to help young cricketers," wrote Ashwin on social media.

"Extremely saddened by the passing of Bishan Singh Bedi ji. His immense contribution to cricket will forever be remembered. May god give strength to his family and loved ones!," former India opener Gautam Gambhir wrote on X.

Former India skipper Mohammed Azharuddin also posted his tribute.

"I'm sorry to hear about Bishan Singh Bedi sir’s passing away. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace," he wrote.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan termed Bedi one of the best the country has produced.

"Bishan Singh Bedi. One of our best is no more. It's a loss to our cricketing fraternity. My deep condolences to his family," wrote Pathan.

India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesk Karthik wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Bishan Singh Bedi Sir, a legend and a true ambassador of the sport. His contribution to Indian cricket will be remembered forever. My heartfelt condolences to his family." Former India women's team captain Mithali Raj also paid tributes to the late 'Sardar of Spin'.

"Saddened by the news of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi ji passing away. He'll always be among the best bowlers to have represented India. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti." India limited overs player Shikhar Dhawan described Bedi as "a true cricketing legend who will be dearly missed".

"Sad to hear the demise of Shri Bishan Singh Bedi. Indian Cricket has lost an icon today. Bedi Sir defined an era of cricket and he left an indelible mark on the game with his artistry as a spin bowler and his impeccable character. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time," BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote on 'X'.

Former BCCI acting president CK Khanna also expressed his grief at Bedi's demise.

"It was an honour to have known Bishan ji for so many years. Indian cricket will certainly be poorer due to his death," Khanna said.

Amit Shah Bedi terms him as legendary spinner

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday condoled the death of former Indian cricket team captain Bishan Singh Bedi and said he will live in people's memories as the "master of crafty bowling who could weave magic on the pitch".

"Deeply saddened by the demise of the legendary spinner and former captain of the Indian cricket team Bishan Singh Bedi Ji. Bedi Ji will live in our memories not only through his contribution to the cricketing world but also as the master of crafty bowling who could weave magic on the pitch. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and his fans in this hour of grief," Shah wrote on X.

BJP president J P Nadda also condoled Bedi's death and said his illustrious career was marked by sheer brilliance and commitment to the progress of Indian cricket.

Condoling Bedi's death, BJP president J P Nadda said, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of former captain of Indian cricket team and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi Ji."

"He will be remembered beyond his cricketing talent as an athlete with profound sportsmanship and leadership skills. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and well-wishers. Om Shanti," Nadda added.

Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt pay tribute to Indian cricket legend

Film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty paid homage to legendary cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, and remembered him for teaching the world about "sports & life".

"Growing up our lives are moulded by the spirit, the gusto and sheer grace of people who we see and experience around us. Mr. #BishanSinghBedi was one of them. May God bless his soul & thank u Sir for teaching us so much about sports & life. You will be missed immensely. RIP," Khan posted on X.

Shetty said he is "deeply saddened" about the loss of a true maestro like Bedi.

"A man who was adored not just for his cricketing prowess but also for the honesty and integrity he carried in his heart. He was a true maestro of the game and an inspiration to so many. May his legacy continue to inspire generations. Rest in peace, Bedi Sir," the actor posted on the microblogging site.

Dutt said cricket has lost a legend today.

"...But the memories and moments created by Bishan Singh Bedi ji will live on forever. My thoughts are with his family and the entire cricketing community as we mourn this profound loss."

Veteran actor Satish Shah posted,"We have lost a precious jewel of Indian cricket in Bishansingh Bedi."

Filmmaker Kunal Kohli said India has lost an icon. "#BishenSinghBedi will always remain a Legend. One of the greatest spinners in the world. The nation has lost an icon. A sporting giant," he wrote on X.