Former Indian cricketer, UP Min Chetan Chauhan passes away
Gurugram, August 16 :
Former Indian cricketer and Uttar Pradesh Minister Chetan Chauhan, who had been admitted to a hospital after being tested positive for COVID-19, passed away in Gurugram on Sunday. He was 73.
Chauhan was admitted to Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon for COVID-19 treatment, and his condition was stated to be critical on Saturday.
Chauhan was UP Minister for Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, Civil Security and Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD).
Chouhan is the second minister from Uttar Pradesh to have succumbed to the virus, the first being technical education minister Kamla Rani Varun. Varun passed away on August 2 after suffering from the virus for a few days.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has condoled the demise of Chauhan.
“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expresses deep sorrow over the passing away of Uttar Pradesh Minister and former cricketer Chetan Chauhan,” said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Chauhan had distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader.
Condoling Chouhan’s death, BJP leader and former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain said he was saddened by the loss of a good cricketer, a good politician and a good friend, while regretting the BJP’s loss of a fine leader.
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.
Chauhan had served the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) in various capacities — president, vice-president, secretary and chief selector — apart from being manager of the Indian Team during their tour of Australia.
Chauhan 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. During his 12-year-long cricket career, Chauhan played 40 Tests scoring 2084 runs with 16 half-centuries and two wickets. With Sunil Gavaskar, Chauhan formed a potent opening partnership for India with the duo scoring over 3000 runs, including 12 century stands.
Chetan Chauhan was a vital cog in the Indian lineup during the 1970s and he used to open the batting along with Sunil Gavaskar. He had made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1969. The right-handed batsman went on to play 40 Tests, managing to score 2,084 runs at an average of 31.57.
The right-handed batsman also played 7 ODIs in his career, in which he scored 153 runs with the highest score being 46 against New Zealand in Sydney.
Chauhan was the first player in international cricket to finish his career with over 2000 runs but without a century.
Earlier on August 2, Uttar Pradesh Minister Kamal Rani succumbed to coronavirus in Lucknow.