C.D. Gopinath, India’s oldest living Test cricketer and a member of the country’s first-ever Test-winning team in 1952, passed away on Thursday. He was 96.
Gopinath died in his sleep at his daughter’s residence in Adyar, Chennai, according to reports.
Born on March 1, 1930, in Madras (now Chennai), Gopinath was the last surviving member of the Indian team that secured its maiden Test victory against England in 1952, a landmark moment in Indian cricket history.
Career Stats – C.D. Gopinath
Test Career
- Matches: 8
- Innings: 12
- Runs: 242
- Batting Average: 22.00
- Highest Score: 50*
- 50s/100s: 1/0
- Wickets: 1 (Best: 1/11)
First-Class Career
- Matches: 83
- Runs: 4,259
- Batting Average: 42.16
- Centuries: 9
- Highest Score: 234
Gopinath made his Test debut against England in 1951 and impressed with an unbeaten 50 in his first innings. He played his last Test in 1960 against Australia.
India’s oldest living test cricketer, CD Gopinath who was part of the team that won India’s first ever test in the 1951-52 series has passed away. A true gentleman, he contributed much to Indian cricket through his career as player, selector and administrator. RIP 🙏🙏… pic.twitter.com/edfpll73PW
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) April 9, 2026
Primarily a right-handed middle-order batter, he was regarded as one of the leading domestic players of his time, particularly for Madras, where he also served as captain.
Following his passing, former India and Mumbai wicketkeeper Chandu Patankar, aged 95, is now India’s oldest living Test cricketer.
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