Former Indian opening batsman Chetan Chauhan has passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday (August 16) after suffering a heart attack. Chauhan, who was also a cabinet minister in the Uttar Pradesh government had tested positive for COVID-19 on July 12. He was admitted at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. 

"Early morning today, Chetan ji had a kidney failure and subsequently, had multi-organ failure. He is currently on life support. We are all praying that he wins this battle," a senior DDCA official had told PTI on Saturday.

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.

He compiled an impressive first-class record scoring 11143 runs in 179 matches, representing Delhi and Maharashtra, and took 51 wickets with his off-breaks.

He went on to serve DDCA in several capacities, and was Indian team's manager on a tour of Australia. He was also a Lok Sabha MP twice. He held many portfolios in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet.

(With Sportstar inputs)