Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players marked their IPL 2026 showdown with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by taking the field in black armbands at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. A statement issued by a KKR spokesperson clarified that the franchise had chosen the gesture as a tribute to former India cricketer C.D. Gopinath, who passed away last week at the age of 96. Gopinath was India’s longest-serving Test veteran at the time of his death and stood as the second-oldest Test cricketer globally, behind Australia’s Neil Harvey.
The toss for the KKR vs CSK match saw Ajinkya Rahane step out wearing a black armband as well. Initially, no detailed explanation was shared, but soon after play began, KKR’s media team confirmed that the franchise was observing the moment in honour of Gopinath. In Chepauk, Rahane won the toss and elected to bowl first.
“KKR players are wearing black armbands during the CSK vs KKR match in Chennai tonight, as a tribute to Mr Gopinath,” the KKR spokesperson said in an official message.
Gopinath had been part of India’s landmark first-ever Test-winning group and was among the early figures who helped shape the country’s progress in international cricket. He represented India in eight Tests from 1951 to 1960, and made an immediate impact on debut with innings of 50 not out and 42 against England.
He was also included in the team that delivered India’s maiden Test triumph over England in 1952 at Madras—now Chennai—a result widely seen as a pivotal shift in India’s cricketing story.
In domestic cricket, Gopinath stood out as an important name in Tamil Nadu, where he captained the side and played a major role in strengthening the state’s cricketing fortunes during the early phase of Indian domestic competition. His first-class record included 4,259 runs across 60 matches. He further influenced Madras’ first Ranji Trophy success in 1954-55, scoring a century in the final to help the team lift the title for the first time.
After hanging up his boots, he moved into cricket administration and selection roles, serving as a national selector, including as chairman. He later also worked as manager for the Indian team during the 1979 tour of England. Even after his official duties ended, he stayed closely connected to the sport, earning broad respect from both players and officials for his deep understanding of cricket and his calm, low-key approach.
With Gopinath’s death, 95-year-old Chandrakant Patankar—who played just a single Test against New Zealand at Eden Gardens in 1956—is now India’s oldest living Test cricketer.
How did BCCI react to CD Gopinath’s death?
Following Gopinath’s passing, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement expressing condolences and describing the news as a major loss for the Indian cricket community.
“Mr C.D. Gopinath belonged to a generation that helped shape Indian cricket in its formative years. Being part of India’s first Test victory is a distinction that will always be remembered,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in the release.
“He continued to contribute to the game long after his playing days, and his association with Indian cricket remained strong over the years. The BCCI expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” he added.
