C.D. Gopinath, who had been the final surviving member of India’s first Check-winning group, handed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter’s home in Adyar right here on Thursday. He was 96.
Gopinath, born in Madras (now Chennai), made his Check debut in opposition to England throughout the 1951-52 sequence. A right-handed batter, he had scored an unbeaten 50 and 42 throughout the second Check on the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
India received its first Check within the final recreation of the mentioned sequence on the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the place Gopinath contributed 35 runs earlier than Roy Tattersall dismissed him.
Gopinath had captained Madras from 1955–56 to 1962–63. He additionally served as nationwide selector for some time earlier than managing the 1979 tour to England. Within the Ranji Trophy, Gopinath completed with 2,349 runs, with a highest rating of 234 in opposition to Mysore in 1958-59.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas expressed his condolences by way of a press release.
“Mr C.D. Gopinath represented an period when Indian cricket was starting to ascertain itself on the worldwide stage. Not solely did he contribute for India, however he additionally performed a key position in Madras’ early successes. His continued affiliation with the sport as chairman of the choice committee and group supervisor mirrored his deep dedication to cricket. We mourn his passing and prolong our heartfelt condolences to his household and family members,” mentioned Manhas.
Revealed on Apr 09, 2026