Former Indian cricketer Chetan Chauhan died at the age of 73 on Sunday (August 16), after succumbing to the deadly coronavirus. The Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister was tested positive for the disease last month and was recently shifted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Chetan is survived by his wife Sangeeta and son Vinayak.
“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 and we will then perform last rites,” brother Pushpendra told PTI.
Chauhan played 40 Test matches for India and scored over 2000 runs at an average of 31.58. Although he couldn’t score a century in his Test career, the right-hander had 16 half-centuries to his name.
Along with Sunil Gavaskar, Chetan formed a formidable opening partnership in the traditional format of the game. The duo scored over 3000 runs at an astounding average of 53.75.
Chauhan’s most memorable opening-stand with Gavaskar came in 1979 at the Oval where the duo combined for a massive 213 runs and drove India almost to the victory, just nine runs short of the target as the match ended in the draw.
He played his last Test match against New Zealand in 1981. Outside cricket, he had a very successful career as a politician, and he was officially associated with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The cricketer-turned-politician was elected twice to the Lok Sabha in 1991 and 1998 from Amroha constituency.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Shocked to hear about the passing of Shri. Chetan Chauhan ji. May his soul rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. 🙏
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) 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
Saddened to hear about the demise of Chetan Bhai.
He always had encouraging things to say to me & shared plenty of stories from his cricketing days with the Indian team.
May his soul Rest in Peace. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/AlkVHj47XK
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2020
Sad to learn about the demise of #ChetanChauhan . My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti !
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 16, 2020
Very sad to hear the news of passing away of Chetan. He was a gritty opener and I’m sure he would have fought this battle too till the very end. Condolences to the family. RIP 🙏 #ChetanChauhan
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 16, 2020
#ChetanChauhan Ji sharing century stands with Sunny Bhai was how 70s cricket was introduced to us. An opening batsman, administrator, team manager, minister and a forever friendly face to talk to. You will be sorely missed sir. Thoughts with his family in this difficult period. pic.twitter.com/oBPDGiTCFa
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 16, 2020
Sad to hear about the demise of Chetan Chauhan sir, was a fine opening batsmen and forged some great partnerships with Sunny bhai. #COVID19India #ChetanChauhan My deepest condolences to his family and friends.🙏 RIP
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 16, 2020
#chetan_chauhan ji always fought like a great warrior on the cricket field and he did the same in his fight with Corona. Fact that he was Sunil Gavaskar's best partner in Test cricket, speaks volumes about his career. Super team man and all-rounder in life. #RIPChetanChauhan ji pic.twitter.com/xPkfFZumvO
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) August 16, 2020
Sad #ChetanChauhan’s fight against Corona ended w/the gutsy opener falling prey..RIP #ChetanChauhan!By far the most frequent & lasting partner o Gr8 SMG Chetan was all o sheer grit/determination & ever willing to stay n shadow o illustrious SMG-yet rub shoulders w/high & mighty!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) August 16, 2020
Saddened to know about Chetan Chauhan ji passing away. My condolences to his family.
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 16, 2020
Saddened to hear the passing away of Chetan Chauhan Sir. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace sir. 🙏
— Washington Sundar (@Sundarwashi5) August 16, 2020
Really sorry to hear the demise of Chetan Chauhan, he was great cricketer and a wonderful person, may his soul rest in peace 🙏.My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) August 16, 2020
Extremely sad news about Chetan Chauhanji. Deepest condolences to the family 🙏🏻
— Ajit Agarkar (@imAagarkar) August 16, 2020
