Why are Indian players wearing black arm bands? Know the reason

India's former fast bowler, David Johnson, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 52. This unfortunate death sent shockwaves through the cricket community. Johnson, who died on Thursday, fell from the balcony on the fourth floor of his residence in Bengaluru. After visiting the spot, Police suspected death by suicide and sent the body to a post-mortem.

The Karnataka pacer played 2 Tests for India in 1996 and picked 3 wickets. He also picked 125 wickets in 39 first-class matches and was a prominent figure in the state. Johnson was survived by his wife and two children. While he was managing his own cricket academy, he wasn't doing well health-wise. He was a part of Karnataka's bowling line-up in the 1990s along with Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, and Venkatesh Prasad. 

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He was a talented bowler of his time, and his skills were evident on his debut for the national team, where he clocked a speed of 157.8 km/hr against Australia in Delhi in 1996. He was also successful in dismissing Aussie opener Michael Slater on a duck. This was the first ever Border-Gavaskar trophy he was a part of in 1996. 

Indian players wear black armbands to honour David Johnson

India is currently playing their first Super 8 match against Afghanistan in the West Indies, where the players were seen wearing black armbands to honour the death of David Johnson. It's a sad moment, and this decision shows the player's importance to the cricket community. 

Along with the players, the support staff also wore the armbands as a tribute. Johnson's former teammates Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble consoled the cricketer's death. 

"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," tweeted Sachin Tendulkar.