Former Indian cricketer and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister Chetan Chauhan died on Sunday due to COVID-19 related complications, reported news agency PTI quoting his younger brother Pushpendra Chauhan.

The 73-year-old had tested positive for COVID-19 in July. 

“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.

Condolences from the political fraternity poured in as the news of his death came to light. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent condolences to Chauhan’s friends and family in a tweet.

“Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” his tweet read.

Home Minister Amit Shah said Chauhan’s death was a ‘great loss’ to both politics and cricket.

“Shri Chetan Chauhan, minister and former cricketer of the Government of Uttar Pradesh served the country as a player earlier in his life and later as a public servant. His demise is a great loss for Indian politics and cricket. I convey my condolences to his family members. Om Shanti,” Shah tweeted.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also expressed his grief over the famous cricketer’s death.

“Deeply saddened by the passing away of former cricketer and UP minister, Shri Chetan Chauhan ji. He made immense contribution towards development of cricket and also served as the Member of Parliament for two terms,” Naidu’s office wrote on Twitter, while sending condolences to his friends and family.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose cabinet Chauhan was a part of, said that his death was an irreparable loss.

“My colleague and former cricketer Chetan Chauhan ji has passed away. This is an irreparable loss for people of Uttar Pradesh and the world of cricket. His last rites will be performed tomorrow,” news agency ANI quoted Adityanath, as saying.

Chetan Chauhan, a two-time Member of Parliament, was also former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar’s longest serving opening partner. He is survived by his wife and son, Vinayak.