Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia honored her late father-in-law and Indian cricket legend Bishan Singh Bedi in a deeply personal and touching gesture during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Sydney. On Friday, January 3, Dhupia was seen wearing Bedi’s iconic Test cricket sweater as she cheered for the Indian team from the stands, paying homage to the cricketing great.
This emotional tribute marked Neha Dhupia’s second appearance during the ongoing series, having previously attended the fourth Test in Melbourne. On that occasion, she was present to celebrate Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test century, alongside her husband, actor Angad Bedi.
Neha Dhupia shared the emotional moment with her followers on Instagram, expressing the deep connection she had with Bishan Singh Bedi. She wrote, “Wearing this sweater feels special in a different way… I clearly remember when Dad asked what I wanted as a wedding gift. I told him I wanted his Test cricket sweater because it would mean the most to me.”
She added, “Now I have it, and with it comes his strength, resilience, integrity, and kindness. I feel honored to wear this while watching my first Test match in person… with my ♥️ @angadbedi 🏏. We miss you every day, Dad… ♥️💔 ♾️.”
Bishan Singh Bedi, a stalwart of Indian cricket, passed away at the age of 77 on October 23, 2023. Known for his graceful left-arm spin and leadership, Bedi played 67 Test matches and 10 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for India, claiming 273 wickets across both formats. His illustrious first-class career saw him amass 1560 wickets, solidifying his place as one of cricket’s greatest spinners.
Bedi’s contributions extended beyond his playing career, as he later took on roles as the Indian team’s manager and selector, continuing to shape Indian cricket with his sharp insights and unwavering commitment to the game.
Neha Dhupia’s tribute, wrapped in personal sentiment and cricketing history, resonated with fans and the cricketing community, underscoring the enduring legacy of Bishan Singh Bedi. The sweater symbolized not just Bedi’s illustrious career but also the cherished memories and values he passed down to his family.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy progressed, Neha Dhupia’s gesture stood as a reminder of how cricket bridges generations, blending personal stories with the rich tapestry of India’s cricketing heritage. The presence of Dhupia and Angad Bedi at the matches highlighted the seamless connection between sports and cinema, bringing forth a beautiful amalgamation of two powerful realms in Indian culture.
Bedi’s legacy lives on, not only through the records he set but through the love and respect his family continues to show. Dhupia’s heartfelt tribute during the Test match serves as a touching reminder of the personal stories that enrich the world of sports and the enduring bonds that keep memories alive.