Chandu Patankar Becomes India’s Oldest Living Test Cricketer Following Demise of CD Gopinath
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Chandu Patankar is now the oldest living Indian Test cricketer at 95 years and 136 days old, following the death of CD Gopinath in Chennai on Thursday. Gopinath, who passed away at 96, was previously the oldest living player and the last surviving member of the squad that secured India’s first-ever Test victory against England at Madras in 1952.
Gopinath’s Passing and Patankar’s Reaction
Gopinath represented India in eight Test matches between 1951 and 1960. His passing closes a major chapter in Indian cricket history, severing the final living link to the historic 1952 victory. Upon receiving the news, Patankar expressed his condolences while acknowledging his new status among cricket veterans.
“Yes, someone gave me the sad news of Gopinath’s demise today. A friend informed me that I’m now the oldest-living Indian Test cricketer,” Patankar stated. When asked about his longevity, he attributed his health to a simple lifestyle, noting, “It’s God’s grace. I do not make any extra effort.”
A Brief but Notable International Career
Born in Pen within Maharashtra’s Raigad district, Patankar played a single Test match for India during the 1955-56 home series against New Zealand. After regular wicketkeeper Naren Tamhane sustained an injury, Patankar was drafted into the playing XI for the New Year’s Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
During his sole international appearance, the lower-order batter contributed with both the bat and gloves. He recorded three catches and one stumping in the first innings. However, after dropping a challenging skied catch, he was replaced by a recovering Tamhane for the fifth and final Test at the Corporation Stadium in Madras.
Chandu Patankar Test Statistics
| Opponent | Venue | Year | Runs | Catches | Stumpings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 1955 | 14 (13 & 1*) | 3 | 1 |
Domestic Cricket and Administrative Service
Before his brief international stint, Patankar built a solid foundation in domestic cricket. He earned a Master of Science degree from Bombay University and represented Bombay in first-class cricket from 1950 to 1966. For his final domestic season in 1966-67, he transferred to Maharashtra.
Patankar is one of 51 cricketers and one of six wicketkeepers to feature in exactly one Test match for India. Following his playing career, he transitioned into cricket administration, serving as the secretary of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) for several years.
Remaining active in the cricket community well into his nineties, Patankar participated in the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) elections at the Wankhede Stadium in October 2022. Most recently, he attended the Wankhede Stadium’s 50th-anniversary celebration in January 2025.