Bishan Singh Bedi volunteers to help Mumbai spinners

Legendary left-arm spinner of yesteryear Bishan Singh Bedi has offered to help the young and talented Mumbai spinners at MCA’s Indoor Academy, Bandra-Kurla Complex on Tuesday.

“It is obviously an honour to have him (Bedi) at our indoor cricket academy,” said MCA joint secretary PV Shetty. “He will be in Mumbai for a few days. He approached us saying that he could help our young spinners in all age groups. It was kind of him to come up with this and we are really grateful.”

However, it has not been decided whether it will be a one-day session or more. “We will meet him on Tuesday morning and decide how we can use his services. For now, we are just waiting for him to come and grace the academy,” said Shetty.

Jammu & Kashmir’s emerging off-spinner Parvez Rassol, who took seven wickets in a warm-up match against the visiting Australians, has credited the spin legend and his state coach Bedi for his success.

Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai have been struggling to find a quality spinner after Sairaj Bahutule, Nilesh Kulkarni and Ramesh Powar separated. Bahutule went on to play for different states before quitting at the end of the Ranji season gone by. Kulkarni ended his career with Mumbai in 2007. Off-spinner Powar is the only bowler among the three who is currently playing
competitive cricket.

Although, Mumbai won their 40th title this season, they have not been able to find an off-spinner who could carry on the mantle from Powar.

Mumbai have an army of left-arm spinners — Ankeet Chavan, Iqbal Abdulla, Vishal Dhabolkar and India U-19 star Harmeet Singh. Singh, however, did not get an opportunity this season despite being touted as the one to watch out for by none other than Ian Chappell during India’s triumphant campaign in the ICC U-19 World Cup in Australia last year.

@rizvitaus