Chetan Chauhan had a tremendous attachment to cricket: Sourav Ganguly

Chauhan played 40 Tests and 7 ODIs for India from 1969-1981.

The passing of former India opener Chetan Chauhan was mourned by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. Chauhan, 73, was diagnosed with COVID-19 in July and passed away on Sunday, August 16, due to multiple organ failure in a hospital in Gurugram, Haryana.

"I am deeply anguished to learn of the passing away of Chetan Chauhan. I have spent so much time with him when he was the Indian cricket team's manager. Not only was he a tough opening batsman but was a person with a tremendous sense of humor and had a tremendous attachment to Indian cricket," said Ganguly in a BCCI statement.

"This year needs to be forgotten as it has taken a lot of dear people away. He will always remain with us. May God gives strength to his family to overcome this loss," he said.

Chauhan played 40 Tests and 7 ODIs for India and formed a successful opening partnership with the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. The duo added over 3000 runs and 11-century stands while opening the innings for the country. Chauhan was the first batsman to score 2000 Test runs without a century, as his career-best score was 97.

PM Narendra Modi and Indian cricket fraternity mourn the demise of Chetan Chauhan

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said: "The news of Chetan Chauhan ji's untimely death has deeply pained me. In him, the nation has not only lost a fine cricketer today but also a great human being. His contribution to Indian cricket will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

Chauhan represented Delhi and Maharashtra in domestic cricket and made over 11,000 runs in 179 matches.

Arun Singh Dhumal, BCCI Treasurer, said: "We have lost a senior member of our fraternity today. He had been working hard to encourage not just cricket but other sports disciplines in his capacity first as a Member of Parliament and later as a cabinet minister in the Uttar Pradesh government. I extend my condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief."

After his retirement, Chauhan served as President of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) and was also its vice-president, secretary, and chief selector. He was appointed as manager of the Indian cricket team that toured Australia in 2007-08.

In 1980-81, he was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award.

(IANS inputs)