Cricket World Cup 2023: Why the Indian team is wearing black armbands against England?

The Indian cricket team wore black armbands in respect for Indian legend, Bishan Singh Bedi, who passed away on 23rd October.

Cricket World Cup 2023: Why the Indian team is wearing black armbands against England?

Indian Cricket Team during the National Anthem (Image via X)

On 29th October, India played England in their 6th match of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. India walked into the match as favorites as they haven’t lost a single match so far, while England have won only one. When the teams walked out to play, many noticed the Indian team were wearing black armbands. 

The Indian team wore the black armband to honor and remember former Indian captain, Bishan Singh Bedi, who had passed away on 23th October. Bishan Singh Bedi passed away at the age of 77, passing away due to old age. 

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Bishan Singh Bedi played 67 Test matches for India from 1967 to 1979. He picked up 266 wickets with an average of 28.7. In the 67 Tests, he has taken 14 five wicket hauls and one ten wicket haul. He also played 10 ODIs, featuring in the inaugural ODI World Cup where each innings was of 60 overs. Bishan Singh Bedi also captained India for 22 Tests from 1976 to 1978. 

One of his greatest performances was in the 1975 ODI World Cup, where he gave away only 6 runs in 12 overs in India’s match against East Africa. 

Related: Former Indian cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi passes away at 77, netizens pay tribute to legendary spinner

India in hot water after poor start against England 

India went in as favorites against England in their fixture of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. India have been unbeaten while England have managed to win only 1 game out of 4. Electing to bat first, India lost Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the first 12 overs. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul tried to stabilize the innings, but KL departed for 39 runs. 

Shreyas Iyer, Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes
Shreyas Iyer walks off after being dismissed by Chris Woakes. (Image via ESPN)

Rohit Sharma scored a valiant 87 off 101, but was dismissed by Adil Rashid after being caught at deep mid-wicket by Liam Liam Livingstone. Surya Kumar Yadav tried building a partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, but Jadeja was caught leg before wicket by Rashid. Surya was dismissed for 49 in the 47th over. Now the tailenders, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, are batting as India aim to score 250+ in the 3 overs left. 

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