Former India pacer David Johnson passed away on Thursday 20th of june in Bengaluru at the age of 52. Known for his remarkable speed and contributions to Indian cricket, Johnson played in two Test matches in 1996, taking three wickets.
David Johnson’s domestic career was notable, spanning 39 First-Class matches in which he claimed 125 wickets. His achievements included four five-wicket hauls and a ten-wicket match haul, underscoring his skill and consistency. One of his standout performances was during the 1995-96 Ranji Trophy season, where he took 10 for 152 against Kerala, a performance that secured his place in the Indian side.
Johnson made his Test debut against Australia in the one-off Test in New Delhi in 1996, where he dismissed Michael Slater. He was also part of the Indian squad for the tour of South Africa, playing only in the first Test. In this match, he took the wickets of Herschelle Gibbs and Brian McMillan, showcasing his potential against top international players.
Jay Shah and Anil Kumble’s Tribute to David Johnson
Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, expressed his condolences on social media platform X. “Shah expressed heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His impact on the game will never be forgotten,” Shah wrote.
Anil Kumble, former India leg-spinner, also shared his sorrow on X. “Mourned to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon ‘Benny’,” Kumble wrote.
David Johnson’s legacy as one of the fastest Indian bowlers and his impressive domestic record will be remembered by cricket enthusiasts and his peers. His untimely demise is a significant loss to the cricketing community.
