David Johnson, Former India Pacer, Dies in Fall from Apartment

He was 52 years old at the time of his death and is survived by his wife and two children. According to current information, Johnson, who operated a cricket academy near his residence, had been unwell recently.

"We were informed that he fell from the fourth floor of his apartment building. He was rushed to a hospital, but unfortunately, the doctors pronounced him dead on arrival," said the KSCA official to PTI.

During his peak, Johnson played two Tests and 39 First-Class matches, prominently featuring in Karnataka's formidable bowling lineup alongside Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Dodda Ganesh.

"This news is shocking as we played together since our tennis cricket days for a club called Jai Karnataka," recalled Ganesh, Johnson's longtime friend and former India pacer, speaking to PTI.

Ganesh fondly reminisced about their time spent together on the cricket field.

"Later, we played together for the state and the country. That Karnataka bowling attack was essentially the Indian bowling attack for a significant period.

"In fact, six members from Karnataka, including Rahul Dravid, were part of the India squad simultaneously. I doubt any other state has achieved such a milestone," Ganesh remarked.

Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble expressed condolences on the passing of his former teammate.

"Saddened to hear about the demise of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon 'Benny'," Kumble wrote on X.