UP cabinet minister and former cricketer Chetan Chauhan to be cremated today with state honours

Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister and former Indian cricketer Chetan Chauhan's last rites will be performed today (August 17) at Brajghat in Hapur with state honours.

The 73-year-old was admitted to a hospital after he was tested positive for COVID-19 and breathed his last breath in Medanta Hospital on Sunday.

Chauhan was also the Uttar Pradesh Minister for Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, Civil Security, and Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD).

A gritty opener, Chauhan played 40 Test matches seven ODIs for India from 1969 to 1981. He was Sunil Gavaskar's opening partner and the two shared many vital stands, including 10-century partnerships.

It was at the Oval in 1979 that the two put on a courageous display, stitching together an opening partnership of 213 runs, which came in the second innings. Together they put 3,010 runs in 59 innings, an Indian record then before Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir went past the mark.

After his retirement, he served as president of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association 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.