New Delhi: One of Indian cricket’s most well-known batsmen without an international hundred, former opener Chetan Chauhan died on Sunday due to COVID-19 related complications after being put on life support for nearly 36 hours.
Chauhan, who played 40 Tests for India, was 73 and is survived by his wife and son Vinayak, who is scheduled to arrive from Melbourne later in the day. Chauhan was currently serving as the Minister of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, and Civil Security in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet.
The country’s cricket fraternity as well as the political class, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday mourned the death of former India opener Chetan Chauhan, who wore many hats in his illustrious career.
Leading the tributes was the PM himself. “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,” PM Modi wrote on his twitter handle.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “Saddened to hear about the demise of Chetan Bhai. He always had encouraging things to say to me & shared plenty of stories from his cricketing days with the Indian team. May his soul Rest in Peace.” Indian captain and batting maestro Virat Kohli was shocked by Chauhan’s demise.
“Shocked to hear about the passing of Shri. Chetan Chauhan ji. May his soul rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.” After his cricket career, Chauhan twice served as a Member of Parliament and also worked for the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) in various capacities.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah tweeted, “Deeply pained to learn about the demise of Shri Chetan Chauhan ji. In him nation has not only lost a fine cricketer but also a great human being today. “His contribution to Indian cricket will always be remembered. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath informed that his last rites will be performed on Monday.
“My colleague and former cricketer #ChetanChauhan ji has passed away. This is an irreparable loss for people of Uttar Pradesh and the world of cricket. His last rites will be performed tomorrow,” the CM tweeted.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman hailed his contribution both in the field of politics and cricket. “Sad to hear about #ChetanChauhan Sir’s demise.
His contribution to Indian Cricket and Politics was immense. My prayers are with the family!,” VVS Laxman tweeted. (PTI)
