Delhi: In a few hours, India and Afghanistan will face each other in the Super-8 match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, but before that a wave of mourning has run through Indian cricket, as former Indian fast bowler David Johnson has passed away.

The 52-year-old Karnataka cricketer breathed his last on Thursday morning. It is known that Johnson died after falling from the balcony of a flat in Bengaluru. Questions are being raised about his death. Many reports have said that this cricketer, who was suffering from depression for a long time, may have taken the path of suicide, because he could no longer fight a long battle with his mind and body. Kothanpur police is investigating Johnson's death.

David was born on 16 October 1971 in Karnataka. He played 2 Tests for India and took 3 wickets. The former pacer made his Test debut against Australia at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Stadium) in Delhi in October 1996. In one of the two Test matches, Johnson bowled at a speed of 157.8 kmph.

Despite having fast pace, he did not get a chance to play fifty-over format cricket for the country. He played 39 first-class matches for Karnataka.

Kumble and Gambhir paid tribute to Johnson

Meanwhile, former Indian team's legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble and dashing opening batsman Gautam Gambhir are deeply saddened by Johnson's death. They expressed their views and paid tribute to him by sharing a post on social media.

Kumble wrote on Instagram, “Sad to hear about the death of my cricket partner David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon “Benny.”

At the same time, Gambhir wrote, “I am saddened by the death of David Johnson. May God give strength to his family and loved ones.”