Former Indian cricketer and serving Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Chetan Chauhan died on Sunday due to complications caused by Covid-19.
Chetan Chauhan’s brother Pushpendra Chauhan confirmed the news.
“My elder brother Shri Chetan Chauhan has left us today after fighting a good battle. I sincerely thank everyone who had prayed for his recovery. His son Vinayak will be reaching anytime and we will then perform last rites,” Pushpendra told PTI.
The veteran cricketer who held the cabinet post in the Uttar Pradesh government had tested positive for the deadly virus in July. He was yet to recover fully when a further infection affected his kidneys and caused blood pressure problems.
Chauhan was hospitalised at the Sanjay Gandhi PGI hospital in Lucknow and was later moved to Gurugram’s Medanta hospital when on Friday night.
His condition deteriorated, after which the doctors put him on life support.
Chetan Chauhan played a very significant role in taking the Indian cricket to new heights not only on-field, but also off-field. He served as Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) in various capacities – president, vice-president, secretary and chief selector.
During his 12-year-long cricket career, he played 40 Test matches and scored 2084 runs with 16 half centuries and also took two wickets.
He was an opening batsman and accompanied Sunil Gavaskar, and the duo marked some significant first wicket partnerships in their career scoring over 3000 runs together.
He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1981.
Not only cricket, Chetan Chauhan was a veteran in Indian politics also as he was a minister in Uttar Pradesh in the BJP government.
He was currently serving as the Minister of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, and Civil Security in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet.
Chauhan was twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, in 1991 and 1998.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the former cricketer by saying, “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.”
Condolences for the late cricketer and BJP leader poured in on social media.