April 04, 2026: The Board of Control for Cricket in India expressed sadness over the passing of former India cricketer C. D. Gopinath in Chennai. He was part of India’s first-ever Test-winning team and one of the early players who helped build Indian cricket at the international level.

Gopinath played eight Test matches for India between 1951 and 1960. He made a strong start in his debut series against England, scoring 50 not out and 42. At a time when Indian cricket was still growing, he was part of the team that won India’s first Test match in 1952 in Chennai, which became a big moment in the country’s cricket history.

Domestic career and achievements

At the domestic level, Gopinath was an important player for Madras cricket. He also led the team and helped it grow in the early years of Indian domestic cricket. He had a strong first-class career, scoring 4,259 runs in 60 matches. He also played a key role in helping Madras win its first Ranji Trophy title in 1954–55, scoring a century in the final.

BCCI mourns the passing of former India cricketer C.D. Gopinath

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— BCCI (@BCCI) April 9, 2026

Life after cricket and legacy

After he stopped playing, Gopinath continued to serve cricket. He worked as a national selector and also became chairman of selectors. He later managed the Indian team during the 1979 tour of England. He stayed connected to cricket for many years and was respected for his knowledge and simple nature.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas said, “Mr C.D. Gopinath represented an era when Indian cricket was growing at the international level. He played an important role for India and also helped Madras cricket. His work as chairman of selectors and team manager showed his strong commitment. We are saddened by his passing and send our condolences to his family.”

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia said, “Mr C.D. Gopinath was part of a generation that helped build Indian cricket. Being part of India’s first Test win will always be remembered. He also stayed connected with the game after his playing days. The BCCI sends its condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Top knock and later years

One of his best innings was 175 runs for South Zone against New Zealand. He played against strong players like Bert Sutcliffe, John Reid, John Alabaster and Zinzan Harris. After the match, he said, “Reid and Sutcliffe later met me in the dressing room and we had a good chat. The match was competitive till the last ball, but after that we shared a good time together.”

In his later years, he followed cricket closely. He supported the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and admired the calm nature of MS Dhoni both on and off the field.