The Indian cricket community is in shock after former Test cricketer David Johnson passed away at the age of 52.
Johnson has been battling health problems and alcoholism for the past year and was released from hospital just three days ago.
Kotanur police are treating the case as a suicide, The Indian Express reported.
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Johnson, who played Test matches against Australia and South Africa in 1996, was a fast bowler, reaching a speed of over 157 km/h on his Test debut.
However, a lack of control restricted him to just two Tests and three wickets.
In domestic cricket, Johnson was part of an all-star pace attack for Karnataka that included Javagal Srinath (236 wickets in 67 Tests), Venkatesh Prasad (96 wickets in 33 matches) and Dodda Ganesh (5 wickets in 4 Tests). All played Test cricket.
The team won three titles in India’s first-class domestic Ranji Trophy in four years until the late 1990s.
However, Johnson’s first-class career was also brief, playing just 39 matches despite taking 125 wickets at an average of 28.63 before retiring after the 2001/02 season.
He also scored a first-class century.
Johnson was shot out of Test cricket due to Srinath’s injury, but took only one wicket on debut (Michael Slater’s wicket in the second innings) in a match dominated by spinners at Delhi.
As a mark of respect, Indian players wore black armbands during their 47-run T20 World Cup Super 8 victory over Afghanistan.
This was just the beginning of the tributes as the India legend paid tribute to the former star.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who captained India in both Tests under Johnson, tweeted: “I am deeply saddened by the death of my former teammate David Johnson. He was full of energy and never gave up on the field. My thoughts are with his friends and family.”
Sanjay Manjrekar, a 37-Test veteran, wrote: “In an era when Indian cricket was medium-paced, David Johnson caught my eye with his quick arm-slinging action. He was fast in the air. It was rare at the time. He was shocked and saddened by his death. May his soul rest in peace.”
Former opener Virender Sehwag posted: “I am very saddened to hear of the passing of David Johnson. “I send my condolences to his family,” he said.
Legendary spinner Anil Kumble wrote on Twitter: “Saddened to hear of the death of my cricket colleague David Johnson. Our sincere condolences to his family. ‘Benny’ went too fast!”
Former Indian cricketer and coach Robin Singh said: “Shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of his teammate David Johnson. Gone too quickly. We love his family during this difficult time.”
Former opening batsman Gautam Gambhir said: “We are saddened by the passing of David Johnson. May God give strength to his family and loved ones.”
Former quick Yusuf Pathan wrote: “I was very saddened to hear about the death of former India cricketer David Johnson. “We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Dodda Ganesh, who is also part of the Karnataka pace attack, remembered the former star.
“He was fast and always gave his all,” Ganesh said.
“There was a time when four of us (Srinath, Prasad, Johnson and I) were part of the Indian team. That shows how good he is.
“Johnson and I played a lot of cricket together because we come from the same place. And he was quick to bowl.”
