It was 25.68 in the 60s.
Then early 70s, it was hovering around 28 for most part (except 2 years). Rarely ever 30.
Then dropped to 26 and then rose to 28 again due to final regression.
During 1976 and 77, where he got things right and his average dropped...
This is what he performed in thsoe 2 years as opposed to hyour claim of home pitches and umpires
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...6;spanval1=span;template=results;type=bowling
17 tests
90 wickets
Avg 21
Avg in India - 18
Avg in Aus - 21.38
Avg in NZ - 30
Avg in WI - 25.33
Basically he NAILED IT wherever he went. in those 2 years.
So taking 26 as his average before final regression is perfectly fine and a far more simple way of approach.
You can take 28 but he fair and square made his average drop to 26 with great performances.
Ashwin too recently made his average go down from 30 to 25. For most of his career, it was 28-30. Does that mean we take that as the main thing?
If you are good enough to get it down, you are good enough. And in bedi's case, dude nailed it overseas too and got it down properly.
so nothing wrong in saying he averaged 26 before he declined.
Basically keep things simple bro.
You are over analyzing it.