Indian players wear black armbands during the T20 World Cup game against Afghanistan. Here’s why – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indian cricketers, in a poignant tribute, wore black armbands during their T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown in Barbados.

This gesture was in honour of former Indian fast bowler David Johnson, who tragically passed away in Bengaluru on Thursday at the age of 52.


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David Johnson, known for his brief but memorable stint with the Indian team, played two Test matches in 1996, securing three wickets. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community.

According to a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official, Johnson died after falling from the balcony of his fourth-floor apartment. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead.

Johnson is survived by his wife and two children. He had been managing a cricket academy but had not been in good health recently. “We were informed that he had fallen from the fourth floor of his apartment building. He was taken to a hospital but the doctors declared him brought dead,” the KSCA official told PTI.


Johnson was a key member of Karnataka’s formidable bowling lineup in the 1990s, which also featured legends like Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Dodda Ganesh.

In the match against Afghanistan, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. In a strategic change, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav replaced right-arm seamer Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI.

India entered the Super 8 stage with an impressive record, having won all three group stage matches against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA in Group A. Their final group match against Canada was abandoned due to rain.