Varun Aaron, the former India fast bowler, has announced his retirement from all forms of representative cricket. The 35-year-old, who had retired from red-ball cricket after the 2023-24 Indian domestic season, concluded his cricketing journey following Jharkhand's exit from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Aaron played four matches in the tournament, claiming three wickets at an average of 53.33.
"Fast bowling has been my first love, and though I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am," Aaron shared on Instagram. "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. As I bid farewell to a pursuit that has consumed me completely, I now look forward to savoring the smaller joys in life while staying deeply connected to the game that has given me everything."
Aaron's journey began with a bang during the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy when he consistently clocked speeds over 150 kph. Despite his fiery pace, his career was repeatedly interrupted by injuries, particularly stress fractures in his back. These setbacks restricted him to just nine Tests and nine ODIs, with his last international appearance being a Test against South Africa in Bengaluru in November 2015.
Reflecting on his injury-plagued career, Aaron expressed gratitude to the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy. "Over the years, I've had to push both my physical and mental limits to recover from numerous career-threatening injuries, coming back time and again."
Aaron's domestic career includes 88 List A matches, in which he took 141 wickets at an average of 26.47 and an economy rate of 5.44. In T20s, he played 95 matches, claiming 93 wickets at an economy rate of 8.53.
In the IPL, Aaron represented several teams over nine seasons, including Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans. He was part of the Titans' title-winning squad in 2022, though his individual contributions that season were modest, with two wickets in two matches and an economy rate of 10.40.
As he steps away from the game, Aaron's resilience and passion for fast bowling remain a hallmark of his career.
Updated on 10th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.