Chetan Pratap Singh Chauhan was born on July 21, 1947, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, just before India’s independence. His father’s posting in the army took the family to Pune, where Chauhan’s cricketing journey began. At Wadia College, under the guidance of coach Kamal Bhandarkar, Chauhan honed his skills and soon represented Pune University and West Zone in inter-university and inter-zonal tournaments. His consistent performances in the Vizzy and Rohinton Baria trophies paved his way into Maharashtra’s Ranji team, where he quickly made a mark with gritty centuries against strong opposition.
Chauhan’s Test debut came in 1969 against New Zealand in Mumbai. His early international career was a struggle, marked by brief appearances and subsequent omissions. However, his domestic form remained prolific, especially during the 1972–73 Ranji season, when he amassed 873 runs, then the second-highest aggregate for a season. His move to Delhi in 1975 rejuvenated his career, and after a string of domestic centuries, he earned a recall to the national side.
Chauhan’s true impact emerged in the late 1970s as Sunil Gavaskar’s steadfast opening partner. Together, they opened in 59 Tests, amassing over 3,000 runs with 10 century stands—a record for Indian openers at the time. Their partnership was the bedrock of India’s batting against some of the world’s fiercest fast bowlers in the 1970s and early 1980s. Chauhan’s highest Test score was 97, narrowly missing a century at Adelaide in 1981—a moment remembered for its heartbreak and the superstitions surrounding it, as Gavaskar later recounted.
Despite never reaching a Test hundred, Chauhan scored 2,084 runs in 40 Tests, including 16 fifties, and became the first player to score over 2,000 Test runs without a century. His value, however, lay in his resilience and ability to blunt new-ball attacks, often setting the stage for India’s middle order.
Chauhan was a prolific run-getter in domestic cricket, representing Maharashtra and later Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. His domestic career was studded with marathon innings, including double centuries and crucial partnerships. He was known for his fighting spirit—once scoring 158 with a fractured jaw and playing a Ranji final with a fractured finger, scoring 98 and 54. His teammates and contemporaries often described him as the “Man of Steel” for his dependability and team-first attitude.
After retiring, Chauhan contributed to Indian cricket as a selector, coach, and team manager. He was the manager during the historic 2001 Test series win against Australia and played a key role during the “Monkeygate” controversy in 2007–08, ensuring the tour continued smoothly. His calm demeanour and supportive nature earned him respect from players and officials alike.
Chauhan’s leadership extended beyond cricket. He was twice elected to the Lok Sabha from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and served as Minister for Youth and Sports in the Uttar Pradesh government from 2018 to 2020. He also briefly chaired the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). His transition from sports to politics reflected his commitment to public service and youth development.
Chetan Chauhan passed away on August 16, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19, at the age of 73. His death was widely mourned in the cricketing and political communities. He received the Arjuna Award in 1981, recognizing his contributions to Indian sport.
Chetan Chauhan’s cricketing journey was defined by perseverance, selflessness, and an unyielding spirit. While he never reached the personal milestone of a Test century, his true legacy lies in the partnerships he built, the battles he fought against world-class attacks, and his unwavering commitment to the team’s cause. Off the field, his roles as coach, manager, and politician showcased his dedication to nurturing talent and serving the nation. Chauhan remains a symbol of grit and reliability—a cricketer whose contributions went far beyond numbers, leaving a lasting mark on Indian cricket and public life.
