C.D. Gopinath Passes Away: Chingleput Doraikannu Gopinath, popularly known as C. D. Gopinath, the last surviving member of India’s first-ever Test victory, died in Chennai on Thursday, April 9, 2026. He was 96.
Who Was C. D. Gopinath?
Born in Madras, now Chennai, on March 1, 1930, Gopinath initially explored multiple sports, including tennis, hockey and football, before taking up cricket at the age of 17 during his time at Madras Christian College.
Gopinath represented India in eight Tests between 1951 and 1960 and played 83 first-class matches for Madras. He made his Test debut against England at Brabourne Stadium in 1951 and played his final Test against Australia at Eden Gardens in 1960.
Batting at No. 8, Gopinath made an immediate impression, scoring an unbeaten 50 on debut — his highest Test score — and followed it with 42 in the second innings as India secured a draw against England.
A defining moment of his career came during the 1952 series against England, when India registered its first Test victory — an innings-and-eight-run win in Chennai. A right-handed batter contributed 35 runs in that historic match.
He finished his Test career with 242 runs in 12 innings. In first-class cricket, he amassed 4,259 runs at an average of 42.16.
He was a key member of Madras’ Ranji Trophy-winning side in the 1954–55 season and went on to captain the team from 1955–56 to 1962–63.
After retiring from playing, Gopinath remained closely associated with the game. He served as chairman of the national selection committee and later worked as the Indian team manager during the 1979 tour of England.
