Former India and Karnataka cricketer David Johnson, who had been running a cricket academy, passed away in Bengaluru on June 20 at the age of 52. Johnson, known for his brief stint in international cricket with two Tests in 1996, was reportedly struggling with his health before his tragic demise. According to reports, he fell from the balcony of his fourth-floor apartment, leading to his unfortunate death. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed the incident, expressing condolences to his family.
Dodda Ganesh, a former teammate and close friend of Johnson, reminisced about their cricketing journey together. Ganesh highlighted their shared experiences from playing tennis cricket at the club level to representing Karnataka and eventually India. He praised Johnson’s contributions to the Karnataka bowling attack, which was formidable during their time.
Legendary cricketer Anil Kumble also mourned Johnson’s passing, expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Kumble, in a social media post, referred to Johnson as his cricketing colleague and conveyed his sadness at the news of his sudden demise.
Reflecting on Johnson’s domestic cricket career, he featured in 39 first-class matches, claiming 125 wickets with an average of 28.63. Additionally, in List A cricket, Johnson secured 41 wickets from 33 matches at an average of 31.46. Notably, he was also a proficient lower-order batsman, boasting a highest first-class score of 101 not out.
Johnson’s presence in the Karnataka bowling lineup, alongside stalwarts like Venkatesh Prasad, Javagal Srinath, and Kumble, underscored his significance in the team’s success during his playing days. His untimely demise leaves a void in the cricketing fraternity, with tributes pouring in from across the cricketing world.
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