Former India batsman Chetan Chauhan passes away at 73
Former India opener and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Chetan Chauhan passed away on Sunday (August 16). His younger brother Pushpendra Chauhan confirmed the news, as reported by PTI.
Former India cricketer Chetan Chauhan has died of COVID-19 related complications, says younger brother Pushpendra Chauhan
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 16, 2020
The 73-year-old former cricketer had recently tested positive for Covid-19, following which he was admitted in a Lucknow hospital on July 12. His condition seemed to be improving but deteriorated later. He was then put on life after his health worsened on Friday night.
A career worth remembering
A right-handed opening batsman, Chauhan made his Test debut in 1969 against New Zealand in Mumbai. He subsequently went to represent India in 40 Tests. He was known for his courageous batting display alongside his opening partner Sunil Gavaskar in Test cricket during the 1970s-80s. With 3010 runs in 59 innings, the duo was India’s most successful opening pair until Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir came along. They had as many 10 century stands to their name.
Nine years later, Chauhan made his ODI debut against Pakistan but went on to play only 7 ODIs.
On the domestic front though, Chauhan was a beast of a batsman for Delhi. In 179 first-class matches, he piled up 11,143 runs with a personal best of 207 and averaged 40.22. Playing for 17 straight years, he racked up 21 first-class hundreds and 59 half-centuries. 16 of those centuries came in Test cricket.
In his post-playing days, Chauhan served as the President of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) and also held various other positions in the Association. He was also the team manager for India on their tour of Australia in 2008. Until last year, he served as the sports minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh. At the time of his death, Chauhan held multiple portfolios including Home Guards and Civil Security.
