- With the passing away of Chetan Chauhan due to COVID-19 infection leading to multi-organ failure, the Indian cricket has truly lost an extremely gritty, determined, brave, and solid performer. Another half of the famous Sunil Gavaskar-Chetan Chauhan opening duo, the resoluteness with which the opening batsman served the interests of the Team alongside supremely gifted Sunil leading the charge is exemplary. Their enduring pairing returned with 10 opening century partnerships and 01 in the middle order totaling above 3000 runs. A noteworthy feat indeed.
PC: the logical Indian
- Chetan Chauhan represented India in 40 tests and had a modest return as an opener in comparison to his more famous and renowned partner. However, it is pertinent to note that Sunil Gavaskar would have struggled to launch and sustain his more rewarding career subsequently without the reassuring partnerships that the pair enjoyed during their association. Due credit and acknowledgment should be accorded to the pair for allying against some of the deadliest and destructive fast bowlers of the era.
- The role of an opening batsman is not only the most challenging facing the new ball from fearsome fast bowlers but also tests technical prowess, skills, patience, and innings building acumen that is so crucial for a team’s success. The era of 1970s and 80s had some of the biggest fast bowling names in the world cricket, especially so from the West Indies, Australia, England, and Pakistan. Standing up to the pace battery at its menacing best demanded lion-hearted efforts and Chetan Chauhan had in him abundantly.
PC: nationalherald india
- The longest-serving opening partner of illustrious Sunil Gavaskar, most surprisingly, never scored a test century in his international test career and hence, would remain an enigma as the closest Chauhan came to the coveted milestone was 97 scored against Australia. This trivia has been a quizmaster’s delight for quite some time. He will also be remembered for an infamous incident at Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1981 when Gavaskar dragged him off the pitch in protest against the umpire’s decision.
- After retiring from cricket, Chauhan actively stepped onto the administration serving the game in various capacities. He was the Vice-President of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), the Chief Selector besides donning many other hats as well. He dabbled in politics and was a two-time Member of Parliament having elected in 1991 and 1998 elections, respectively. At the time of passing away, he was a Cabinet Minister in the UP Government.
PC: insidesport
- Cricket aficionados will fondly remember Chauhan as Manager of the team when the Monkeygate storm in Australia in 2008 threatened to blow out the synergy of the cricketing world. He and Anil Kumble, then Captain, steadied the situation adroitly and wisely. A great loss indeed! May his soul rest in eternal peace.
