CD Gopinath, Last Survivor of India's 1952 Test Triumph, Dies Peacefully in Chennai at 96
CD Gopinath, the sole remaining member of the Indian cricket team that secured the nation's historic first Test victory in 1952, passed away in his sleep in Chennai on Thursday. He was 96 years old. Gopinath's death marks the end of an era for a pioneering generation of Indian cricketers.
A Historic Debut and Memorable Victory
In a poignant recollection shared with The Times of India years ago, Gopinath vividly described the euphoric aftermath of that landmark match. "The crowd applauded us for 15 minutes at a stretch after the Test match was over. I still remember that moment," he said, reflecting on the fifth Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Madras (now Chennai).
The year was 1952, and India defeated England by an innings and eight runs. Gopinath contributed a brisk 35 runs, joining teammates like Vinoo Mankad (who took 12 wickets), Polly Umrigar (130 runs), and Pankay Roy (111 runs) in etching their names into cricket folklore.
A Versatile Cricketer and Beloved Figure
V Ramnarayan, a former Hyderabad off-spinner and noted cricket historian who co-authored Gopinath's autobiography 'Beyond Cricket — A Life In Many Worlds', praised the late cricketer's multifaceted talents and character. "Gopi was a lovely batsman to watch, a very natural player, and a shrewd captain. He also kept wickets from time to time. But what always stood out was his geniality," Ramnarayan told TOI.
Gopinath's international career spanned eight Test matches between 1951 and 1960. However, it was not without controversy. Ramnarayan revealed that during the 1952 Test series in England, Gopinath felt insulted by captain Vijay Hazare, believing he was targeted due to his South Indian background. This incident led him to opt out of the subsequent West Indies series.
Contributions to Tamil Nadu Cricket and Beyond
Gopinath's impact on Tamil Nadu cricket was profound. He was instrumental in Madras winning its inaugural Ranji Trophy title in the 1954-55 season. "In the final, against a powerful Holkar side which had Mushtaq Ali, he scored 133 in the first innings and had to take over the captaincy towards the business end of the game," Ramnarayan added.
Beyond cricket, Gopinath led a rich and varied life. An avid game hunter, he once took the visiting New Zealand team on a hunting expedition in 1955-56. "While returning, they got late and returned only on the morning of the match against South Zone. But Gopi went on to score a 175 in that game," the historian noted, showcasing his remarkable focus and skill.
Life After Cricket and Lasting Legacy
Gopinath played his final Test at Eden Gardens in 1960 and retired from first-class cricket in 1962 at the age of 32. His retirement was primarily due to a demanding role with the British firm Gordon Woodroffe. "He had a life beyond cricket, he was a terrific tennis player, his wife Comala being his mixed doubles partner. They won quite a few tournaments in those days," Ramnarayan shared.
Known for his sharp intellect, Gopinath enjoyed playing bridge, kept abreast of the contemporary Indian cricket team, and always welcomed cricket conversations. In a previous interview, he nostalgically recalled the passion of his playing days: "For us, it was sheer passion. We used to get only Rs 250 per Test as 'smoke money' and always travelled by train. We didn't stay in hotels. Even foreign players used to share accommodation as 'house guest'. But I have no regrets," he said, his smile ever-present.
CD Gopinath's passing is a significant loss to the cricketing community, but his legacy as a key figure in India's early Test successes and a beloved personality endures.
