Chetan Chauhan, the former India opening batsman and veteran cricket administrator, has died on Sunday due to complications caused by Covid-19. He was 73 and is survived by his wife and son Vinayak, who is scheduled to arrive from Melbourne later in the day. The news of his passing away was confirmed by brother Pushpendra Chauhan.

“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.

Chauhan, who in July had tested positive for the Covid-19, was yet to recover fully when a further infection affected his kidneys and caused blood pressure problems. After testing positive for Covid-19, Chauhan was hospitalised at the Sanjay Gandhi PGI hospital in Lucknow. He was later moved to Gurugram’s Medanta hospital when on Friday night, Chauhan’s condition deteriorated, after which the doctors put him on life support.

Chauhan has served the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) in various capacities – president, vice-president, secretary and chief selector – apart from being manager of the Indian Team during their tour of Australia.

Chauhan was twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, in 1991 and 1998 and was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1981. During his 12-year-long cricket career, Chauhan played 40 Tests scoring 2084 runs with 16 half-centuries and two wickets. With Sunil Gavaskar, Chauhan formed a potent opening partnership for India with the duo scoring over 3000 runs, including 12 century stands.