India won the toss and chose to bat first in the third match of the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday (June 20).

The match began on a surprising note as Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli walked out to bat wearing black armbands. The touching tribute by the Indian players piqued the curiosity of fans worldwide, leaving them wondering about the significance of this poignant gesture and the motive behind it.

BCCI reveals why Indian players are wearing black armbands

As the images of Indian players wearing somber black armbands circulated, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly unveiled the reason behind the gesture in a heartwarming post on X (formerly Twitter)

The Indian board conveyed that this gesture serves as a memorial to the black armbands were worn to honor the memory of David Johnsona former Indian cricketer, whose untimely passing was reported earlier that morning.

Johnson, aged 52, tragically fell from his fourth-floor balcony in Bengaluru. According to the media reports, local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death, with early reports suggesting it could be a case of suicide.

“Team India will wear black armbands today in memory of former Indian fast bowler David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday,” the post reads.

Cricketing Legacy

Johnson’s international cricket career, though brief, saw him play one Test each against Australia and South Africataking three wickets in total. However, he had a more significant impact in domestic cricket, where he represented Karnataka with distinction. Johnson took 125 wickets in 39 First-Class matches and made 41 dismissals in 33 List-A games from 1992-93 to 2001-02. His contributions to Karnataka cricket were highly valued, and he was a respected figure in the cricketing community.

Tributes from the cricketing community

The news of Johnson’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the cricketing world. Sachin Tendulkarone of India’s most revered cricketers, led the tributes, expressing his sorrow and offering condolences to Johnson’s family. Former Indian bowlers and Johnson’s state teammates, venkatesh prasad and Anil Kumblealso paid their respects on social media, sharing heartfelt messages that highlighted Johnson’s impact both on and off the field.