BENGALURU, JUNE 20 :  Former Indian cricketer David Johnson, aged 52, tragically passed away after reportedly falling from the fourth-floor balcony of his apartment here on Thursday.

Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, he was declared “brought dead” upon arrival. The police have filed an unnatural death report and are investigating whether the fall was accidental or intentional. The deceased cricketer is survived by his wife and two children.

Anil Kumble, a legend of Indian cricket, expressed his heartfelt condolences on X, stating, “Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon, ‘Benny’!”

Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), also shared his sympathies, remarking, “Deepest condolences to the family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered.”

Dodda Ganesh, a long-time friend and former teammate, reminisced about their time together on the field, stating, “It is shocking news. We played together from our tennis cricket days for Jai Karnataka, later for the State and the country. That Karnataka bowling attack was the Indian bowling attack for a long time.”

Born on October 16, 1971, Johnson was known for his fiery deliveries and unwavering passion for the game. Despite his brief stint in the international arena, representing India in two Test matches in 1996, Johnson’s talent and dedication shone brightly.

He recorded his best match figures of 10 for 152 against Kerala in the 1995–96 Ranji Trophy season, which brought him to the national reckoning.

However, Johnson’s journey was not without its challenges. Struggles with consistency and fitness hindered his progress on the global stage, yet he found solace and success in domestic cricket, particularly with the Karnataka team, where he made contributions to the state’s cricketing legacy.

Following his retirement from playing, Johnson transitioned seamlessly into coaching and mentoring, becoming a guiding light for aspiring cricketers.

As the cricketing fraternity mourns the loss of one of its own, Johnson’s memory will be cherished, serving as a reminder of the grit and passion that define the spirit of cricket.(UNI)