The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players walked out wearing black armbands for the Indian Premier League (IPL) contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. On the offical broadcast for the game, former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri confirmed that the players are wearing black armbands to pay tribute to former India cricketer CD Gopinath, who died last week at 96. He was India’s oldest Test cricketer and the second-oldest worldwide, after Australia’s Neil Harvey.
The toss for the IPL 2026 fixture between KKR and CSK saw Ajinkya Rahane coming out with a black armband. At that time, no official reason was given, but shortly after the game began, the KKR media team also confirmed that the franchise is paying its respect to Gopinath. The game between KKR and CSK at Chepauk saw Rahane winning the toss and opting to bowl.
“KKR players are wearing black armbands during the CSK vs KKR match in Chennai tonight, as a tribute to Mr Gopinath,” the KKR spokesperson confirmed in an official message.
Gopinath was a member of India’s historic first-ever Test-winning team and one of the early contributors to the country’s journey in international cricket. He represented India in eight Test matches between 1951 and 1960, leaving a solid impression on debut with scores of 50 not out and 42 against England.
He was also a part of the side that secured the country’s maiden Test victory against England in 1952 in Madras (now Chennai), a result that marked a turning point in India’s cricketing history.
At the domestic level, Gopinath was a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu cricket, captaining the side and contributing significantly to the state’s growth in the early years of Indian domestic cricket. His first-class career saw him score 4,259 runs in 60 matches. Gopinath also played a defining role in Madras’ maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in 1954-55, scoring a century in the final to help the side secure its first-ever title.
After his playing career, he also served as a national selector, including as chairman, and later as manager of the Indian team during the 1979 tour of England. He remained closely associated with the game for decades, earning the respect of players and administrators alike for his understanding of cricket and his understated presence.
Following Gopinath’s death, the 95-year old Chandrakant Patankar, who played only one 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?
Last week, the BCCI issued an official media release, condoling the demise of Gopinath and stating that the news is a big loss for the Indian cricket fraternity.
“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 an official 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.
