Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Former India cricketer David Johnson dies at 52

The Indian cricket team wore black armbands in honour of David Johnson during their T20 World Cup Super Eight match against Afghanistan.

Former India cricketer David Johnson dies at 52

Former Indian cricketer David Johnson was found dead outside his apartment on Thursday, police reported. Johnson, 52, played two Tests for India in 1996. He fell from his fourth-floor balcony, and an investigation is ongoing to determine if it was a suicide, according to local police.

“It is believed that 52-year-old David Jude Johnson fell from his apartment in Kanaka Sri Layout in Kothanur, giving rise to the suspicion of suicide,” a police official stated, adding that further investigations are underway.


Police sources told PTI that Johnson had not been in good health for some time.

Johnson played a Test each against Australia and South Africa, taking three wickets. In domestic cricket, he took 125 wickets in 39 First-Class games and 41 dismissals in 33 List A games for Karnataka between 1992-93 and 2001-02.

Several Indian cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, paid tribute to Johnson. “Deeply saddened by the passing of my former teammate, David Johnson. He was full of life and never gave up on the field. My thoughts are with his friends and family,” Tendulkar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also expressed condolences for their former cricketer. “The big-hearted Johnson will be surely missed, and his passing away is a great loss for Karnataka and Indian cricket,” the KSCA said in a statement. “The president, members of the managing committee, executive committee, and all the staff of KSCA offer condolences to his family, near and dear ones,” it added.

Former India bowlers and Johnson’s state teammates, Venkatesh Prasad and Anil Kumble, also paid their tributes on social media. “Shocked and sad to hear about the passing away of David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti,” Prasad wrote. Kumble expressed, “Saddened to hear the passing of my cricketing colleague David Johnson. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Gone too soon ‘Benny’!”

Former India opening batter Gautam Gambhir wrote, “Saddened by the passing away of David Johnson. May god give strength to his family and loved ones.” BCCI secretary Jay Shah was also among those to pay his respects, writing, “Deepest condolences to family and friends of our former Indian fast bowler David Johnson. His contributions to the game will always be remembered.”

“Pained to hear about the passing away of David Johnson. May God give strength to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” said former India batter and coach VVS Laxman.

The Indian cricket team wore black armbands in honour of Johnson during their T20 World Cup Super Eight match against Afghanistan. Both skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli came out to bat wearing black armbands. “Team India will wear black armbands today in memory of former India fast bowler David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday,” the BCCI had announced shortly before the start of play at the Kensington Oval.

(Agencies)

More For You

Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn: Are ageing stars hurting Bollywood’s future?

Akshay Kumar (L) and Ajay Devgn

Getty Images

Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn: Are ageing stars hurting Bollywood’s future?

THE string of disastrous Bollywood films headlined by Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn in recent years has become a running joke.

With Hindi cinema going through arguably its worst phase in history, the two ageing actors prioritising quantity over quality has only added to the industry’s troubles. Both have continued their woeful run of failures by starting 2025 with flops Azaad and Sky Force.

Keep ReadingShow less
India cuts bourbon whisky tariffs after US pressure

FILE PHOTO: Jim Beam bourbon is shown in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

India cuts bourbon whisky tariffs after US pressure

INDIA has slashed tariffs on bourbon whisky to 100 per cent from 150 per cent, a move that will benefit imports of brands like Suntory's Jim Beam, after US president Donald Trump's criticised "unfair" levies in the South Asian market.

Trump, who met Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the White House this week, has railed against the climate for American businesses in India and unveiled a roadmap for reciprocal tariffs on countries that put duties on US imports.

Keep ReadingShow less
AA Dhand: ‘My hero Virdee is inspired by the Dirty Harrys of this world’

AA Dhand

BBC

AA Dhand: ‘My hero Virdee is inspired by the Dirty Harrys of this world’

THE BBC’s new six-part crime drama, Virdee, which began transmission on Monday (10), is making history as it is the first of its kind, with a diverse British Asian cast. It is also very much author AA Dhand’s baby. The credits state that it was “created and written by AA Dhand”; is “based on City of Sinners by AA Dhand”; and Dhand is also its executive producer, along with Paul Trijbits.

The drama is named after its eponymous hero, Detective Chief Inspector Hardeep Virdee, a clean-shaven Sikh who prefers to be addressed as “Harry”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

A glimpse into Bridgerton Season 4: Romance, drama, and intrigue await in the highly anticipated new chapter

Instagram/bridgertonnetflix

Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

Netflix has given fans a tantalising glimpse into the upcoming fourth season of Bridgerton, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The sneak peek, shared on February 14, gives us behind-the-scenes moments and fresh footage from the new episodes, which are currently in production. The season will centre on Benedict Bridgerton played by Luke Thompson, the free-spirited second son of the Bridgerton family, as he navigates love and societal expectations. His story takes a dramatic turn when he encounters the enigmatic “Lady in Silver,” Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, at a lavish masquerade ball hosted by his mother.

The teaser also introduces three new characters: Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung) and her daughters, Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and Posy Li (Isabella Wei), who are set to stir up the marriage market. Familiar faces will also return, including Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, and Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton. Fans of Penelope and Colin will be pleased to see them back, with a still image hinting at their growing family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chila Burman casts ‘neon’ light on Indian migration stories

Chila Burman shows her work in tapestry

Chila Burman casts ‘neon’ light on Indian migration stories

CHILA BURMAN, who lit up Tate Britain during the dark days of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and the West End of London last year, has now put her trademark tiger on the quayside façade of the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.

For her new commission, called Chila Welcomes You, the artist has brought her personal perspective to “the heritage of conflict and stories of Indian migration to Britain after the Second World War”.

Keep ReadingShow less