Former India pacer David Johnson passed away on Thursday in Bengaluru at the age of 52. He played in two Test matches in 1996, taking three wickets.
David Johnson, a name that might not ring a bell for many contemporary cricket fans, is known for his brief but impactful stint in the mid-90s. Despite his promising start and the ability to bowl at over 95 mph, he struggled with consistency and fitness, which limited his opportunities at the international level.
David Johnson was born on October 16, 1971, in Karnataka. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in sports, especially cricket. Growing up in a cricket-loving nation, it wasn't long before he started playing the game seriously. His passion and dedication towards cricket were evident, even as a child, as he spent countless hours, to improving his skills on the grounds of Bangalore.
His ability to generate pace and swing made him a standout performer in domestic matches. Playing for Karnataka, he delivered several match-winning performances, which eventually caught the eyes of the national selectors.
Johnson's breakthrough came during the early 1990s, when his consistent performances on the domestic circuit earned him a spot on the Indian national team. His pace and ability to move the ball both ways made him a promising prospect for India, a team traditionally known for its spin bowlers.
David Johnson made his Test debut for India on October 10, 1996, against Australia in Delhi. Although his debut match didn't turn out to be extraordinary in terms of personal statistics, his potential was evident. He bowled with vigor and pace, which added a new dimension to the Indian bowling attack. He then even accompanied the team to the tour of South Africa and played the first Test at Durban. That happened to be his last international outing.
Johnson was primarily a fast bowler who relied on pace and seam movement. His natural out-swingers troubled many batsmen, and his aggressive bowling style was a refreshing change for Indian cricket at that time. During the late 1990s, when Karnataka dominated the domestic circuit, Johnson was part of the pace battery, which included Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and Dodda Ganesh. Despite his promising start, Johnson's international career was plagued by injuries. These injuries hampered his performance and consistency, making it difficult for him to secure a permanent place on the national team. Moreover, the competition for spots in the team was fierce, and frequent injuries meant he often had to sit out crucial matches.
His international career was short-lived, but Johnson's contributions to domestic cricket and his brief stint with the national team are remembered fondly by cricket enthusiasts. He was part of a generation that helped India transition into a team capable of producing quality fast bowlers.
After retiring from professional cricket, David Johnson took up cricket coaching and mentoring young bowlers. He has been involved with various cricket academies and training programs, imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation of cricketers. Despite not having a long international career, Johnson remains a beloved figure among fans who followed cricket in the 1990s. His brief but impactful appearances left a lasting impression, and he continues to be celebrated in cricketing circles.
Johnson was one of the fastest Indian bowlers, and his performance on the domestic circuit—his bowling figures of 10 for 152 against Kerala during the 1995–96 Ranji Trophy season—paved his path into the Indian side. Overall, he played 39 first-class matches, picked up 125 wickets at an average of 28.63, and had a strike rate of 47.4. Johnson also has an FC century to his name.
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