C. D. Gopinath, India’s Oldest Test Cricketer, Passes Away at 96 Years Old
Synopsis
The Indian cricket fraternity mourns the passing of C. D. Gopinath, the last surviving member of India's first Test victory team, who passed away peacefully at 96. His contributions to cricket will be remembered forever.
Key Takeaways
Gopinath was a pivotal figure in Indian cricket history.
Historic Achievement: Last surviving member of India's first Test win team.
Test Career: Played eight Tests, scoring 242 runs.
Domestic Cricket: Captained Madras and contributed significantly to Indian cricket.
Peaceful Passing: Gopinath passed away peacefully at 96.
Chennai, April 9 (NationPress) The world of Indian cricket mourns the loss of C. D. Gopinath, who passed away at the remarkable age of 96. Gopinath was the last surviving member of the Indian squad that achieved the nation's inaugural Test victory, following the passing of Datta Gaekwad earlier this year in 2024.
Born on March 1, 1930, in Chennai, historically referred to as Madras, Gopinath was a symbol of the golden era of cricket. The right-handed batsman gained fame through his outstanding performances in domestic cricket for Madras, which ultimately led to his selection for the national team.
Reports indicate that Gopinath passed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter’s home in Adyar, Chennai.
He made his Test debut during the 1951–52 series against England, where he quickly made a mark, scoring an unbeaten half-century in his first match and following it up with another solid performance in the same series at Brabourne Stadium. His final international appearance was against Australia at Eden Gardens in 1960.
Gopinath was instrumental in India’s historic Test win against England in Chennai, contributing an essential 35 runs and catching Brian Statham off Vinoo Mankad’s bowling. Mankad was the standout bowler, taking 12 wickets in the match, which secured a historic victory for India.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association expressed its sorrow at the loss of this cricketing legend, stating, "Rest in peace, CD Gopinath! A true pioneer of Indian cricket and the last surviving member of the historic team that achieved India’s first-ever Test win. Your legacy will always be remembered in cricket history," the board shared on X.
For several seasons between the mid-1950s and early 1960s, Gopinath captained the Madras team. Later in the 1970s, he took on the role of national selector and eventually chaired the selection committee. He also served as the manager for the Indian team during the 1979 tour of England.
Throughout his international career, Gopinath played in eight Tests, scoring a total of 242 runs, which included an unbeaten fifty. In first-class cricket, he accumulated 4,259 runs across 83 matches, featuring nine centuries and 23 half-centuries.
Point of View
It is with profound respect that we acknowledge the passing of C. D. Gopinath. His contributions to Indian cricket transcend mere statistics; he was a cornerstone of a golden era in the sport. His legacy will inspire future generations of cricketers.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was C. D. Gopinath known for?
C. D. Gopinath was known for being one of the oldest Test cricketers in India and the last surviving member of the team that achieved India's first Test victory.
When did C. D. Gopinath make his Test debut?
He made his Test debut during the 1951–52 series against England.
How many Tests did Gopinath play?
C. D. Gopinath played in eight Test matches throughout his career.
What were Gopinath's contributions to Indian cricket?
He was a key player in India's first Test victory and contributed significantly to domestic cricket as a captain and selector.
Where did C. D. Gopinath pass away?
He passed away peacefully at his daughter's residence in Adyar, Chennai.
