The Untold Story of Chetan Chauhan’s Test Career and the Gavaskar Dispute

The 1981 Melbourne Test between India and Australia is remembered not only for its on‑field drama but also for a heated exchange involving Sunil Gavaskar and teammate Chetan Chauhan. When a Dennis Lillee delivery struck Gavaskar’s pad, the umpire, acting on an appeal, declared him out LBW.

Visibly agitated, Gavaskar refused to leave the crease, leading to a prolonged stand‑off that threatened to halt play. In the midst of the tension, Chauhan stepped forward, attempting to calm his captain. He signaled to group captain Shahid Ali Khan Durrani, who intervened and negotiated Gavaskar’s withdrawal from the field.

Sources suggest that had Chauhan not intervened, the board might have imposed a five‑year ban on Gavaskar for defying officials. The incident highlighted Chauhan’s diplomatic temperament and his willingness to protect team interests, even at personal risk.