Former India pacer David Johnson passes away at 52

On June 20, Thursday, David Johnson, who took three wickets in two Test matches for India in 1996, passed away in Bengaluru. When he tragically passed away, he was 52 years old.

Johnson was in charge of a cricket academy and had recently experienced health issues. According to a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) source cited by The Times of India, he passed away after falling from the balcony of his fourth-floor flat. Johnson’s two kids and his wife are no longer with him.

We were notified that he had collapsed from his apartment building’s fourth story. After being carried to a hospital, the medical staff pronounced him brought dead, according to the KSCA official.

Johnson’s longtime buddy and fellow former India bowler Dodda Ganesh expressed his sorrow over the unexpected turn of events.

The news is shocking because we played tennis and cricket together for a club named Jai Karnataka back in the day. Later, we collaborated to play for the nation and the state. For a very long time, that Karnataka bowling assault was the Indian bowling attack, according to Ganesh.

Simultaneously, the renowned Anil Kumble offered his condolences to the grieving family via a post on his official ‘X’ account.

I was saddened to learn of my cricketing comrade David Johnson’s demise. Warmest regards to his family. Too soon, ‘Benny’!” Anil Kumble shared.

Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon “ Benny”!

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 20, 2024

David Johnson’s domestic cricket stats

The Arasikere native took 125 wickets at a strike rate of 47.40 and an average of 28.63 in 39 first-class games. Over the course of his List A career, Johnson claimed 41 wickets from 33 games at a strike rate of 40.40 and an average of 31.46.

Johnson could bat in the lower orders as well; his best first-class score was 101 not out. Alongside legends like Venkatesh Prasad, Javagal Srinath, Kumble, and Ganesh, he was a member of a formidable Karnataka bowling unit.