On April 14, in the match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in the MA Chidambaram Stadium, players from both sides are seen wearing black armbands. It has been clarified that the black armbands have been meant to show tribute to former India cricketer C.D. Gopinath.
CD Gopinath, known as the last surviving member from India's first-ever Test victory in 1952, breathed his last on April 9 in his daughter's residence, Chennai. At the time of his death, he was India's oldest living Test cricketer and the second oldest in the world behind Australia's Neil Harvey.
For the last few matches, players have been wearing black armbands for a few reasons. On April 11, players from Punjab Kings wore black armbands to honor victims of a tragic boat accident in Vrindavan. On April 12, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru players showed respect to the legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away in Mumbai the same day. And today, its CSK and KKR players showing tribute to CD Gopinath.
Read also: IPL 2026: Why Are PBKS Players Wearing Black Armbands vs SRH in Match 17?
Who was CD Gopinath?
Chingleput Doraikannu (C.D.) Gopinath was a legendary Indian Test cricketer and the last surviving member of the historic team that secured India’s first-ever Test victory in 1952. At the time of his passing, he was also India’s oldest living Test cricketer. He was 96 years old, having been born on March 1, 1930.
One of Gopinath’s most defining contributions came in the final Test of the 1951–52 series against England in Madras, where he played a brisk knock of 35 runs and also took the winning catch to dismiss Brian Statham, helping India script its maiden Test win. A stylish right-handed batter, he represented India in 8 Tests between 1951 and 1960. His debut at Brabourne Stadium remains memorable, as he scored an unbeaten 50 and 42 against England.
In domestic cricket, Gopinath was a pillar of the Madras (now Tamil Nadu) side for more than a decade. He amassed 4,259 first-class runs at an impressive average of 42.16, including nine centuries, underlining his stature as one of the dependable batters of his era.
After retirement, he continued to serve Indian cricket in important administrative roles. He was the Chairman of the National Selection Committee during the 1970s and later managed the Indian team on their 1979 tour of England.
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