David Jude Johnson was India’s fastest bowler. Perhaps the fastest bowler in the world. Have you heard of his name? I am afraid not. He clicked 150 plus on several occasions. He holds the record of 156.9 km/hour. He played for India only in 2 tests. Then he was dropped for no fault of him.
Johnson played his first test for India against Australia in 1996. His second and last test for India against South Africa, also in 1996.
At domestic level, Johnson played 28 matches at first class level and took 95 wickets. He even scored a century with his bat once.
He was born in Karnataka. When he took 8 wickets in a game in Bangalore, he was inducted into the Swastic Union Cricket Club. He became a Karnataka Ranji Trophy player. Johnson bowled against such stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Saurav Ganguly.
Johnson was called to play for India. But the selectors preferred Venkatesh Prasad and Javagal Srinath. At one time there were 7 Karnataka players in the Indian team. He became the unlucky person.
There is always a rumor that Indian cricket always favor players from a certain community. Johnson being an Anglo Indian was not looked upon favorably. This is purely my personal opinion.
He is now the under-16 coach for the South Zone.
India did not use this fast bowler to its advantage.
Source: Sportskeeda – Rahul Kargal – David Johnson: A tale of possibilities and harsh realities.
Yes I remember he played for India. So sad, BCC India didn't utilise his talent. Bloody politics play in sports too. Very unfortunate
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Gowri.
DeleteYes.. He is a very talended players. And now he is educating young with great spirits and techniques. visit https://davidjohnsoncricketacademy.com/ to now more about his cricket academy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Nathania. And, welcome to my blog. Yes, he is indeed a very talented player.
DeleteNathania, please visit here as often as possible. Thanks.
Informative post SG
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Dee.
DeleteI never even heard his name. All places where money is big, are full of politics and favouritism.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Renu. You are right. Big money, politics and favoritism intermingle together.
DeleteI wonder how I missed this name. During '96, i was an active cricket follower.
ReplyDeleteAnother name that cud have become big during those days was Sairaj Bahatule. People like these should've been given more opportunities.
Destination Infinity
Thanks for your comments Rajesh. Some people with slightest non-performance are dropped. Some others are given many chances. Hope you understand what I am trying to say.
DeleteIt is a sad but not uncommon feature in Indian cricket that once a while a few talented and extraordinarily gifted players get left out for inexplicable reasons and in the process the state and country turn out to be the losers. Merit alone should be the deciding factor. There should be a press conference immdly after selection of players taken by Chief selector and none else.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post
Thanks for your comments Mr.KP. You are correct in your statement. However, what is the benefit of this press conference? Are they going to tell the truth?
DeleteThe press reporters who cover cricket wld ask why a particular talented player not included and why someone inferior or out of form chosen. There wld be inquisitive and pointed questions and the selectors who act for extraneous reasons would fumble for an answer. This conference wld get wide pulicity
ReplyDeleteThanks Mr. KP. It makes sense.
DeleteInteresting. Though I follow cricket, can't remember this bowler. Good that he is now the coach.
ReplyDeleteI am sure there must be many very talented players who have just fallen by the wayside.
Thanks for your comments Pradeep.
DeleteI think it is not community, but favours for some people, which determines entry into this world. There have been and are Muslims as players. It is nice of you to bring him to your readers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Sarala.
Delete