Former Indian pace bowler David Jude Johnson has sadly passed away. Johnson succumbed to injuries after a fall from the fourth-floor balcony on June 20 (Thursday). Speculations suggest mental health struggles may have led to his suicide. Kottanur police have examined the scene and transported the body for post-mortem. The 52-year-old is survived by his wife and two children. Johnson had been running a cricket academy near his home but had been under the weather recently.
The International Career of David Johnson
Right-arm fast bowler David Johnson represented India in two Test matches, taking 3 wickets at an average of 47.66. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to play in ODI matches for India. His international debut was marked against Australia in the Delhi Test of 1996, gaining his spot due to an injury to Javagal Srinath.
Johnson began his Test career bowling alongside Venkatesh Prasad and later participated in a tour to South Africa. His bowling line was considered not quite precise, which consequently limited his career to just two Test matches for India.
Source: aajtak
Johnson’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket fraternity. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble expressed his sorrow, tweeting, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of teammate David Johnson. My heartfelt condolences to his family. 'Benny' gone too soon."
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah commented, 'Deep condolences to the family and friends of our former Indian pacer David Johnson. His contribution to the sport will always be remembered.'
At the domestic level, Johnson represented Karnataka, playing in 39 first-class and 33 List A matches. With an average of 28.63 and a strike rate of 47.4, he secured 125 wickets in first-class cricket and claimed a century. In List A matches, he took 41 wickets. In 2015, he was seen participating in the Karnataka Premier League.
Johnson was part of a robust Karnataka bowling unit that included names like Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Dodda Ganesh. Former Indian bowler and long-time teammate Ganesh stated, 'This is heart-wrenching news as we played together for a club named Jay Karnataka from our tennis cricket days.'
He continued, 'Later, we played for the state and for India together. This bowling attack from Karnataka long served as the Indian bowling attack. In fact, at one point, including Rahul Dravid, six players from Karnataka were part of the Indian team. I don't think any other state has achieved this feat.'
