Former Indian cricketer Chetan Chauhan passes away at 73
In an unfortunate development, former Indian cricketer Chetan Chauhan has passed away at the age of 73. Chauhan, who had tested positive for COVID-19 in July, was recently put on life support at the Medanta hospital in Gurugram. Reportedly, he suffered from blood pressure and kidney-related issues. He was initially admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi PGI hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
Chauhan was diagnosed with coronavirus in July
Chauhan, a former Lok Sabha member, was one of the former international cricketers to have contracted the deadly virus. His family members had also undergone COVID-19 tests in July and were put under home quarantine. It is understood that Chauhan's condition deteriorated on Friday night. As per reports, he didn't recover from the disease when he had a multi-organ failure.
Chetan Chauhan passes away at 73
A look at his cricket career
Chauhan is known as one of the greatest openers to have served Team India. In an international career spanning nearly 11 years, he scored 2,084 runs from 40 Test matches at 31.57. He also smashed 16 fifties during the period. The 73-year-old has also represented Delhi and Mumbai in First-class cricket, having amassed 11,143 runs at 40.22.
One of the most successful partnerships for India in Tests
Chetan Chauhan is often remembered for his gutsy stands with Little Master Sunil Gavaskar while opening the innings in Test cricket during 1970s and 80s. He carried the ability to get behind the line of the ball and thereby complemented Gavaskar with his defiant knocks. The duo shared 3,010 runs between them, having played 59 Test innings together.
The duo averaged 53.75 together
Both Chauhan and Gavaskar had a combined average of 53.75 along with ten century stands. The phenomenal tally comprised a best partnership of 213 (vs England, 1979). While Chauhan scored 80, Gavaskar went on to amass 221.
Chauhan was the former president of DDCA
Chauhan was a former president of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) and the manager of the Indian cricket team on the 2007/08 tour Down Under. A two-time Member of Parliament, Chauhan held the Home Guards and Civil Security portfolios in the Uttar Pradesh government. He also served as the state's Sports Minister until last year.
