Players from Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings observed a minute of remembrance for former India batter C. D. Gopinath by wearing black armbands during their IPL game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. The tribute came after Gopinath’s passing last week at the age of 96, with both franchises marking the moment as a sign of respect.
Quick facts
- Black armbands were worn by KKR and CSK players at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.
- The tribute followed the death of C. D. Gopinath last week at 96.
- Gopinath was India’s oldest Test cricketer and the second-oldest in the world, after Neil Harvey.
- BCCI described his death as a significant loss to Indian cricket.
- KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to bowl.
- KKR removed CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad during the powerplay, while CSK reached 72/1 in the mandatory powerplay with Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre.
Gopinath’s legacy stretches beyond the IPL setting. He was widely regarded as the most senior figure in Indian Test history at the time of his death and was also second only to Neil Harvey globally in age among Test cricketers.
The BCCI also issued an official tribute, noting that Gopinath represented a generation that helped mould Indian cricket during its early formation. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said Gopinath’s contribution would be remembered, highlighting the pride of being part of India’s first Test success.
Saikia recalled that distinction as one that would always remain etched in memory, pointing to Gopinath’s involvement in a defining chapter for the national team. He was part of the side that recorded India’s first Test victory over England in 1952 in Madras—today known as Chennai.
Gopinath went on to play eight Tests for India between 1951 and 1960. He made an impact immediately, with scores of 50 not out and 42 on his debut.
Tamil Nadu and beyond
Outside international cricket, Gopinath was a central figure in Tamil Nadu’s domestic scene. He captained the state team and guided them to their first Ranji Trophy title in the 1954–55 season, including a century in the final.
Across his first-class career, Gopinath amassed 4,259 runs in 60 matches. His influence did not end when he stopped playing, as he later worked as a national selector and even served as chairman during his administrative stint.
He also stayed involved with the national team setup, managing India during the 1979 tour of England. That long association with the game ensured his presence remained felt in cricket circles for decades.
After Gopinath’s death, Chandrakant Patankar—who had played a single Test match in 1956—became India’s oldest living Test cricketer.
IPL match: toss and powerplay
Turning to the IPL contest, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl first. The move paid early dividends as KKR struck during the powerplay, dismissing CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad quickly.
However, CSK’s batting did not lose momentum. Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre helped the Men in Yellow and Orange build their chase, reaching 72/1 by the end of the mandatory powerplay, even as KKR kept applying pressure.
