Chetan Chauhan, former India Opener, sports administrator, passes away: PM Modi, Kumble, Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Tendulkar mourn his demise

CRICKETER turned politician Chetan Chauhan has succumbed to multiple organ failure in a private hospital at Gurugram close to Delhi. The 73-year-old Chauhan is survived by his wife Sangeeta and son Vinayak, who is rushing to Delhi from Melbourne. He held the portfolios of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, PRD and Civil Security in the Yogi Adityanath Government in his home state. The news of his passing away was confirmed by brother Pushpendra Chauhan. He was ex-DDCA President and at the time of passing away was a Cabinet Minister in Uttar Pradesh. He first  was admitted at the Sanjay Gandhi PGI Hospital in Lucknow after testing COVID-19 positive on July 12.”Early morning today, Chetan ji had kidney failure and subsequently, had a multi-organ failure. He was on life support. Chauhan had represented India in 40 Tests. He was the longest opening partner with  Sunil Gavaskar. He was associated with the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) in various capacities as president, vice-president, secretary and chief selector and was manager of the Indian team during their tour of Australia. Having made his debut as a 22-year-old against Mumbai, Chetan was known to be one of the most courageous batsmen of his generation. One of the most memorable moments of his career as an opener was the 213-run stand he put with Gavaskar at The Oval in 1979  where he contributed 80 runs. The duo also broke the then-record for the opening wicket held by Vijay Merchant and Mushtaq Ali. Apart from playing 40 Tests, he also represented India in 7 ODIs. He scored 2084 and 153 runs respectively in both the formats. During his playing days, he was also the first batsman to complete 2,000 runs in Tests without scoring a century. He also had 2 Test wickets to his name. He represented Delhi and Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy competition. Chauhan was twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh and was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1981. Condoling his passing away Prime Minister Narendra Modi says ‘’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.’’ image courtesy to The Statesman