The players and support staff of both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are wearing black armbands for tonight’s IPL 2026 clash at the Chepauk stadium - here’s why.
CSK, KKR don black armbands
Both KKR and CSK walked out to the field during the 22nd match of the Indian Premier League, being played on April 14 (Tuesday), with black armbands taped on the sleeves of their shirts.
After the start of the match, Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed to Wisden.com that the teams were donning black armbands to mourn the loss of former cricketer CK Gopinath, who passed away on April 9.
A member of India’s first-ever Test-winning team in 1952 (against Chennai), Gopinath built a lasting legacy in Indian cricket through both his playing and administrative roles. A prominent figure in Madras cricket, he led the side in domestic competitions and was central to its growth, finishing with 4,259 runs from 60 first-class matches. His most notable domestic contribution came in the 1954-55 Ranji Trophy final, where his century guided Madras to their maiden title.
On the international stage, he represented India in eight Tests between 1951 and 1960, beginning with scores of 50 not out and 42 against England. Following his playing career, Gopinath served Indian cricket as a selector, later becoming chairman, and also managed the national side during the 1979 tour of England.
KKR, meanwhile, opted to field first in the game against CSK. The two sides occupy the last two spots in the IPL 2026 table, with the Ajinkya Rahane-led team at tenth and yet to register a win in the ongoing season. CSK registered their first win of the ongoing campaign in their previous game, against Delhi Capitals.
At the time of writing, CSK were 102-2 in 10 overs.
Match 22, Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
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