New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Chetan Chauhan died on Sunday due to COVID-19 related complications. He was put on life support for nearly 36 hours, according to reports. He was 73 years old and is survived by his wife and son Vinayak.
He was serving as the minister of sainik welfare, home guards, and civil security in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet.
Chauhan is one of Indian cricket’s most well-known batsmen who did not have an international hundred. An opener, Chauhan played 40 test matches for India.
“My elder brother Shri Chetan Chauhan has left us today after fighting a good battle. I sincerely thank everyone who had prayed for his recovery. His son Vinayak will be reaching anytime [from Melbourne] and we will then perform last rites,” his younger brother Pushpendra told PTI.
Chauhan, who was the legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s longest-serving opening partner, was admitted to Sanjay Gandhi PGI in Lucknow on July 12 after testing positive for COVID-19.
Due to kidney-related ailments, his health deteriorated and he was shifted to Medanta hospital in Gurugram.
On Friday night, he had a multi-organ failure and was put on ventilator support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish at Chauhan’s death. He said Chauhan “distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader”, saying he made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP.
After retiring, Chauhan served as the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) in various capacities ‒ tepresident, vice-president, secretary and chief selector ‒ apart from being the manager of the Indian team during its tour of Australia in 2001.
He was twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, in 1991 and 1998 and was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1981.
Chauhan is the second UP minister to have succumbed to coronavirus. On August 2, state technical education minister Kamla Rani Varun, 62, had died days after testing positive for COVID-19.
During his 12-year-long cricket career, Chauhan played 40 Tests scoring 2,084 runs with 16 half-centuries and two wickets. His highest score was 97.
With Gavaskar, Chauhan formed a formidable opening partnership for India and the duo scored more than 3000 runs, including 12 century stands.
Having made his first-class debut as a 22-year-old against Mumbai, Chauhan was known to be a brave batsman of his generation.
One of the most memorable moments of his career as an opener was the 213-run stand with Gavaskar against England at The Oval in 1979, during which he scored 80 runs.
Many politicians, cricketers and fans expressed grief at his demise.
Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2020
My colleague and former cricketer Chetan Chauhan ji has passed away. This is an irreparable loss for people of Uttar Pradesh and the world of cricket. His last rites will be performed tomorrow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pic.twitter.com/44CQH9Ddms
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 16, 2020
Saddened to hear about the demise of Chetan Chauhan ji. His contribution to the game as well as to administration will always be remembered! May god give strength to his family & loved ones! pic.twitter.com/6dvIlqZ7ke
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 16, 2020
Sad to hear about #ChetanChauhan Sir’s demise. His contribution to Indian Cricket and Politics was immense. My prayers are with the family!
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 16, 2020
(With PTI inputs)
