Chetan Chauhan dead, a look at his journey from Indian cricketer to UP cabinet minister

Photo: Twitter/@kishanreddybjp

New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer and Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Chetan Chauhan passed away on Sunday (August 16, 2020). Chauhan, who had tested COVID-19 positive in July, had reportedly developed multi-organ failure. The 73-year old was recently shifted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

His cricketing career lasted for 12 years and he was also awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1981.

Chauhan made his international debut in a Test match as a 22-year-old against New Zealand on September 25 in 1969 and played 40 Tests before retiring against the same opponent in April 1981. 

In Tests, Chauhan scored 2,084 runs at an average of 31.57. The former opener also added 16 half-centuries to his name, with a high score of 97 against Australia in Adelaide in 1981.

Notably, only Australia's Shane Warne (3,154) has more Test runs than him without a century. 

Chauhan was known for his opening partnership with Sunil Gavaskar. Their most famous opening stand was of 213 runs at The Oval in 1979, when Little Master 's double century guided India to a famous victory.

Overall, the pair scored 3,127 runs together at an average of 54.85 in Tests that included 11-century stands.

Chauhan made his ODI debut against arch-rivals Pakistan in October 1978. He could only manage to appear in six more limited-over matches before appearing in his last ODI fixture in February 1981 against New Zealand.

He finished his career with 153 ODI runs at an average of 21.85.

Chauhan also played for Maharashtra and Delhi in Ranji Trophy. In first-class cricket, he notched up 11,143 runs in 179 matches at an average of 40.22, with 21 centuries.

He also served as the manager of Indian Men's Team and was part of the famous Test victory against Australia in Kolkata in 2001.

Chauhan headed numerous positions at the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) including the president, vice-president, secretary and chief selector posts. 

He then decided to move to politics and was elected twice to Lok Sabha from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha constituency in 1991 and 1998.

Before being diagnosed with COVID-19, he was serving as a cabinet minister in the CM-Yogi-led government in Uttar Pradesh.

The minister had also tweeted on July 23 that UP Civil Defence is doing a good job across the state in the fight against COVID-19.

UP #CivilDefence doing good job across the state in the fight against #COVID19
Photo: Free Rapid COVID19 Test Camp held in Ghaziabad today @UPGovt @CMOfficeUP pic.twitter.com/SwOmP8e18g

— Chetan Chauhan (@ChetanChauhanCr) July 23, 2020

Earlier on August 7, he had also promoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vocal4Handmade on the National Handloom Day through his Twitter account.

#Vocal4Handmade https://t.co/6rofwHOq3z

— Chetan Chauhan (@ChetanChauhanCr) August 7, 2020

Chauhan's death due to COVID-19 is the second death in the UP cabinet in the last 15 days. 

On August 2, Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Kamla Rani Varun died due to coronavirus infection. The 62-year-old Kamla Rani was a legislator from the Ghatampur Assembly segment. 

Meanwhile, several Indian politicians including PM Modi have paid their condolences.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2020

I'm shocked and saddened by the demise of Shri Chetan Chauhan, former Indian cricket opener and Minister in UP. I had memorable moments with him on many occasions. My deep condolences to his family and supporters. May his soul rest in peacepic.twitter.com/rGuKm7ak6B

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 16, 2020

Deeply saddened by the passing away of former cricketer and UP minister, Shri Chetan Chauhan ji.

He made immense contribution towards development of cricket and also served as the Member of Parliament for two terms.

My condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/tbTnAELXTg

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 16, 2020

Saddened by the passing away of Sh Chetan Chauhan Ji. He played cricket with flare and contributed towards preparing Delhi for hosting world cup T20. In his 2nd innings he made valuable contributions in public service. Sincere condolences to his family.

ॐ शांति

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 16, 2020

May his soul rest in peace!