Due to as many as eight back stress fractures and three foot fractures, Aaron could only represent India for just 9 ODIs and 9 Tests, snapping up 29 wickets in both formats. (File)
Once regarded as one of India’s fastest bowler before injuries curbed his promise, Varun Aaron on Friday announced his retirement from ‘representative cricket’.
“For the past 20 years, I have lived, breathed, and thrived on the rush of bowling fast. Today, with immense gratitude, I officially announce my retirement from representative cricket,” Aaron posted on Instagram.
“Over the years, I’ve had to push both my physical and mental limits to recover from numerous career-threatening injuries, having to come back time and again, this was only possible thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy,” he continued.
“As I bid farewell to a pursuit that has consumed me completely, I now look forward to savouring the smaller joys in life while staying deeply connected to the game that has given me everything.
“Fast Bowling has been my first love, and though I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am,” he concluded.
Aaron made his international debut in an ODI against England in Mumbai in 2011 and then followed it up with a Test debut against the West Indies in the same venue and in the same year.
But due to as many as eight back stress fractures and three foot fractures, Aaron could only represent India for just 9 ODIs and 9 Tests, snapping up 29 wickets in both formats.
Before his India call-up, Aaron caught the eyes of the cricketing world when he bowled a 153kph delivery against Gujarat in the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy final. With his ability to constantly bowl over 150kph caught the attention of the Indian team management.
One of the most infamous moments in an Indian jersey was when his bouncer broke England’s Stuart Broad’s nose in a Test in 2014.
Despite not making the Indian team since 2015, Aaron continued to bowl in domestic cricket. He picked 141 wickets at an average of 26.47 and an economy rate of 5.44 in 88 List A matches. He also snared 93 wickets at an economy rate of 8.53 in the 95 T20s he played.
Aaron also played nine seasons of the IPL between 2011 and 2022, turning out for with Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans. In his final season, he won the title with Gujarat Titans in 2022.
(With agency inputs)
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