That first Test match in 1966, the second Test against the West Indies at Calcutta, was the first one that Bedi saw.
It probably made a big impression, being memorable not so much for the cricket played as for a dreadful riot that prevented any play on the second day, caused by overcrowding. Bedi did not take long to make his mark.
The West Indies were still a great side and Bedi's victims in his first innings analysis of 2 for 92 in 36 overs were Basil Butcher and Clive Lloyd.
West Indies won the match by an innings and 45 runs, having won the First Test by 6 wickets.
India came close to winning the Third Test at Madras, Gary Sobers and Charlie Griffith hanging on grimly for 90 minutes to save the game.
Prasanna and Bedi bowled superbly the latter taking 4 for 81 in 28 overs in the last innings.
Wisden was strongly critical of Griffith's tactics -- he often went down on his knees to fend off the ball with his body --- but it was India's fielding that cost them the match.
Also read: 'We are handing the sport to thugs'
Bedi with Australian off-spinner Colin Miller. Photograph: Hamish Blair/Allsport
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