Cricket Legend CD Gopinath, Last Hero of India's Historic 1952 Victory, Passes Away at 96

Indian cricket mourns the loss of one of its most cherished legends as CD Gopinath, the last surviving member of the team that secured India's first-ever Test victory, passed away peacefully at age 96 in Chennai on Thursday.

Gopinath's death marks the end of a remarkable era that began in 1952 when India stunned the cricket world by defeating England by an innings and eight runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in what was then called Madras. The victory was a watershed moment for Indian cricket, breaking the psychological barrier that had long dominated the sport.

"The crowd applauded us for 15 minutes at a stretch after the Test match was over. I still remember that moment," Gopinath had recalled in recent years, his eyes lighting up as he described the euphoria that swept through the stadium when victory was secured.

In that historic match, Gopinath contributed a vital 35 runs, joining forces with other heroes like Vinoo Mankad who claimed 12 wickets, Polly Umrigar who scored 130, and Pankay Roy with 111. Together, they crafted a victory that would inspire generations of Indian cricketers.

Cricket historian V Ramnarayan, who co-wrote Gopinath's autobiography "Beyond Cricket — A Life In Many Worlds," remembered him as "a lovely batsman to watch, a very natural player, and a shrewd captain." Gopinath's versatility was evident as he also kept wickets when needed, but his geniality left the most lasting impression on teammates and opponents alike.

Gopinath's international career spanned eight Test matches between 1951 and 1960, though it wasn't without controversy. During the 1952 series in England, he felt targeted by captain Vijay Hazare due to regional prejudices and chose to skip the subsequent West Indies tour in protest.

Beyond international cricket, Gopinath's influence on Tamil Nadu cricket was transformational. He played a pivotal role in Madras's first Ranji Trophy triumph in 1954-55, scoring 133 in the final against a formidable Holkar side featuring Mushtaq Ali. When the regular captain was unavailable, Gopinath stepped up to lead the team to victory.

Gopinath's interests extended far beyond cricket. An avid hunter, he famously took the visiting New Zealand team on a hunting expedition in 1955-56. Despite returning on the morning of a crucial match against South Zone, he went on to score 175, showcasing his remarkable mental strength and adaptability.

After retiring from cricket in 1962 at age 32 due to his responsibilities with British firm Gordon Woodroffe, Gopinath remained active in sports. He was an accomplished tennis player, often partnering with his wife Comala in mixed doubles tournaments where they claimed several titles.

Even in his later years, Gopinath maintained his passion for cricket, staying current with the Indian team and never shying away from cricket conversations. He once reflected on his era with characteristic warmth: "We used to get only Rs 250 per Test as 'smoke money' and always travelled by train. We didn't stay in hotels, but I have no regrets."

With Gopinath's passing, Indian cricket loses its final link to that momentous 1952 victory, but his legacy lives on in every triumph that followed.