Former India cricketer David Johnson dies after falling from fourth floor of Bengaluru apartment
“We were informed that he had fallen from the fourth floor of his apartment building. He was taken to a hospital, but the doctors declared him brought dead,” the KSCA official told PTI.
In his prime, Johnson was part of a formidable Karnataka bowling unit alongside Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Dodda Ganesh. He played two Tests and 39 first-class matches, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Dodda Ganesh, a former India pacer and Johnson’s long-time friend, expressed his shock and fondly remembered their time together. “It is shocking news as we had played together from our tennis cricket days for a club called Jai Karnataka,” Ganesh told PTI.
He highlighted their shared journey, stating, “Later we played together for state and the country. That Karnataka bowling attack was the Indian bowling attack for a long time. In fact, six members from the state, including Rahul Dravid, were in the India squad at the same time. I doubt any other state has managed that feat.”
His death has shocked the cricketing community.
“Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon ‘Benny’!” Anil Kumble posted.
“Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered,” Jay Shah posted on X.
David Johnson’s career
David Johnson achieved his best match figures of 10 for 152 against Kerala during the 1995-96 Ranji Trophy season, which brought him into the national spotlight. He debuted for India against Australia in the one-off Test at Ferozshah Kotla in 1996. He was included in the squad for the South Africa tour but only played in the first Test. In first-class cricket, Johnson took 125 wickets in 39 matches, averaging 28.63 with a strike rate of 47.4.
