In a touching tribute, Team India donned dark armbands in their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match against Afghanistan on Thursday. This gesture was in memory of former India cricketer David Johnson, who tragically passed away just before the Super 8 match in the Caribbean. Johnson, a former fast bowler for India, died after falling from his fourth-floor apartment balcony in Bengaluru. He was 52 years old and survived by his wife and two children.
The cricketing world was quick to mourn his sudden death. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that Rohit Sharma’s team would wear black armbands to honor Johnson’s legacy. Johnson played two Test matches for India and known for his spirited performances on the field.
Among those leading the tributes was cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who fondly remembered Johnson as someone “brimming with life.” Tendulkar shared his grief on social media, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of his former teammate. He reminisced about Johnson’s never-give-up attitude and offered condolences to his family.
Former India cricketers Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and Anil Kumble also expressed their sadness. Kumble, in particular, reflected on their time together, referring to Johnson by his nickname, “Benny,” and lamenting his untimely departure. Johnson’s cricket career included 39 First-class and 33 List A matches, beginning with his debut for India in 1996.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed to PTI that Johnson taken to the hospital immediately after his fall, but declared dead on arrival. The police have ruled out foul play, noting that there were no witnesses or a suicide note.
As the cricket community comes to terms with this loss, Johnson’s memory lives on in the hearts of his teammates, fans, and the entire cricketing fraternity.
