Indian cricket lost one of its oldest and most respected cricketers, CD Gopinath, at the age of 96 on Thursday, April 9. Gopinath was the last surviving member of India’s first Test-winning team after the demise of Dutta Gaikwad in February 2024.
Gopinath was born in Madras (now Chennai) and grew up in the old style of cricket. This right-handed batsman is known for his smooth and brilliant shots. His consistent performances for Madras eventually earned him a place in the Indian cricket team.
Last player to survive India’s first Test win dies at 96
CD Gopinath passed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter’s home in Adyar, Chennai, reports Sportstar.
Also read: ICC set to finalize qualification format for LA Olympics 2028 and WTC in late April
He made his Test debut in the 1951–52 series against England. In his international debut match, Gopinath scored an unbeaten 50 and then scored 42 against England at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. His calm and classy batting impressed everyone at that time.
In the final Test played in Chennai, Gopinath played a crucial inning of 35 runs and also took a crucial catch off the bowling of Vinoo Mankad, playing a vital role in India’s victory over the dominant England team in the black and white era. This was India’s first Test win.
CD Gopinath’s career as both a 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 became the chairman of the selection committee.
He also served as India’s team manager during the 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 first Indian Chairman of the company.
He played 8 Tests for India and scored 242 runs with the help of an unbeaten half-century. He also has 4259 runs to his name in 83 first-class games. He scored 9 centuries and 23 half-centuries in first-class cricket.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah calls Yuvraj Singh a ‘goat’, Michael Vaughan claims ‘batsmen are afraid of fast bowlers’
Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi India’s next big superstar?
Meanwhile, Indian cricket got its next superstar in the form of 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is making headlines with his fearless batting. His biggest moment came against Mumbai Indians on 8 April when he hit a huge six off the first ball of Jasprit Bumrah.
That one shot proved that the young opener is not afraid of big names and is ready for big 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 is in dire need of a consistently aggressive opener.
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are the current opening batsmen, but many believe Vaibhav brings a new level of firepower. Social media is already demanding the selection of RR star so that he can get proper guidance and exposure. If he continues his form he could soon become India’s next big T20 star.