India’s first Test win hero C.D. Gopinath passes away at 96
Published - 09 Apr 2026, 04:25 PM | Updated - 09 Apr 2026, 04:57 PM
Table of Contents
Indian cricket on Thursday, April 9, lost one of its oldest and most respected cricketers, C.D. Gopinath, at the age of 96. Gopinath was the last surviving member of India’s first-ever Test-winning team after Datta Gaekwad passed away in February 2024.
Gopinath was born in Madras (now Chennai) and grew up in the old-school style of cricket. The right-handed batter known for his smooth and elegant shots. His consistent performances for Madras eventually earned him the spot in the Indian cricket team.
Last survivor of India’s first Test victory dies at 96
As reported by Sportstar, C.D. Gopinath passed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter’s home in Adyar, Chennai.
Read Also: ICC set to finalise qualification format for LA Olympics 2028 and WTC in April end
He made his Test debut in the 1951–52 series against England. In his international debut match, Gopinath scored an unbeaten 50 and then made 42 against England at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. His calm and classy batting left everyone impressed at that time.
In the final Test that was played in Chennai, Gopinath played a crucial knock of 35 runs as well as took the important catch off the bowling of Vinoo Mankad to play a significant role in India’s victory over the dominant England side in the black-and-white era. It was India’s first-ever Test victory.
C.D. Gopinath's career both as player and administrator
Apart from playing for India, Gopinath also led the Madras cricket team from 1955–56 to 1962–63. Gopinath continued to contribute to Indian cricket even after his retirement. In the 1970s, he joined the national selection panel, and later, he went on to become the chairman of the selection committee.
He also served as India’s team manager during their 1979 tour of England. Additionally, Gopinath built a strong professional career. He worked with the British company Gordon Woodroffe and, through hard work and leadership, became the company’s first Indian chairman.
He played 8 Tests for India and scored 242 runs with the help of one unbeaten fifty. He also has 4259 runs to his name in 83 first-class games. He hit 9 centuries and 23 fifties in First-Class cricket.
Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi India’s next big superstar?
Meanwhile, Indian cricket discovered its next superstar in 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been ruling the headlines with his fearless batting. His biggest moment came on April 8 against Mumbai Indians when he smashed a huge six off the very first ball he faced from Jasprit Bumrah.
That one shot proved that the young opener is not scared of big names and is ready for bigger challenges. Now that Vaibhav has officially turned 15, he is eligible to play for India, and his timing couldn’t be better. India’s T20 team badly needs a consistently aggressive opener.
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are the current openers, but many believe Vaibhav brings a new level of firepower. Social media is already demanding the RR star’s selection so he can receive proper guidance and exposure. If he continues his form, he could soon be India’s next big T20 star.
About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ...
