Gopinathan Manavalan

Gopinathan Manavalan emerged from the cricketing heartlands of India, a talent honed in the bustling streets and vivid playing fields that span the length and breadth of the nation. Born on 6th June 1983, in a small town in Kerala, Gopi, as he is fondly known by his fans and teammates, showed an early penchant for the beautiful game that has continued to capture a nation’s imagination.

His journey began in the dusty patches of his hometown, where the crack of leather on willow echoed against the backdrop of swaying palm trees. As a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler, Gopi quickly captivated local spectators with his flair and determination. By his teenage years, his prodigious talent had earned him a spot in the Kerala state team, where he gained attention for his powerful strikes and deceptive bowling.

Gopinathan made his professional debut in the Ranji Trophy in the early 2000s, swiftly establishing himself as an allrounder to watch. His early years were marked by a whirlwind of matches that saw him score multiple centuries and take match-winning five-wicket hauls, crafting victories from impending defeats with an ease that belied his years. The 2005 season was especially significant, with Gopinathan setting records for the most runs and wickets by an allrounder that year, catapulting him into the national spotlight.

Always one for the big occasion, one of Gopi's most memorable innings came during the 2007 Irani Cup, where he played a decisive role in clinching the title with a swashbuckling century under immense pressure. His daring style, marked by crisply-timed drives and a sharp cricketing intellect, mirrored his tenacity on the bowling front — a lethal outswing often claiming the top batting orders.

A notable rivalry that embellished his career unfolded against Karnataka, where he frequently excelled, both with bat and ball, in tightly fought contests. These matches not only defined Gopi’s career but also broadened the horizons of cricket fans, with thrilling contests reminiscent of the classic David versus Goliath tale.

Beyond statistics, Gopinathan Manavalan’s legacy lies in his ability to inspire. His impact extended far beyond accolades; he instilled belief in countless young aspirants, proving that relentless determination and a love for the game could pave the path from humble beginnings to cricketing glory, and indeed, it did for Gopi.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats