C.D. Gopinath, Member of India’s First Test Victory Team, Dies at 96
CHENNAI, India — C.D. Gopinath, one of India’s oldest and most respected cricketers and the final surviving member of the team that secured the country’s first-ever Test victory, has died at the age of 96.
Gopinath passed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter’s residence in the Adyar neighborhood of Chennai, according to reports. His death follows that of former teammate Datta Gaekwad earlier in 2024, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket.
Born on March 1, 1930, in Chennai, then known as Madras, Gopinath was known for his classical batting style and rose through the domestic ranks with consistent performances for Madras before earning a place on the national team.
He made his Test debut during the 1951–52 series against England and made an immediate impact, scoring an unbeaten half-century in his first match. He later added another solid innings in the same series at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. His final Test appearance came against Australia at Eden Gardens in 1960.
Gopinath was part of the Indian team that recorded the nation’s first Test victory, against England in Chennai. In that landmark match, he contributed 35 runs and took a key catch to dismiss Brian Statham off the bowling of Vinoo Mankad, who led India’s effort with a 12-wicket performance.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association paid tribute to Gopinath, calling him a pioneer of Indian cricket.
“Rest in peace, CD Gopinath! A true pioneer of Indian cricket and the last surviving member of the historic team that scripted India’s first-ever Test victory. Your legacy will forever be etched in the game’s rich history,” the association said in a post on X.
Beyond his playing career, Gopinath captained the Madras team for several seasons between the mid-1950s and early 1960s. He later served Indian cricket as a national selector in the 1970s, eventually becoming chairman of selectors, and was also the team manager during India’s 1979 tour of England.
Gopinath played eight Test matches for India, scoring 242 runs, including one unbeaten half-century. In first-class cricket, he amassed 4,259 runs in 83 matches, including nine centuries and 23 half-centuries. (Source: IANS)
