FORMER INDIA PACER VARUN AARON RETIRES FROM ALL FORMS OF CRICKET
Varun Aaron, the former India fast bowler, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 35. Having retired from red-ball cricket at the end of the 2023-24 Indian domestic season, Aaron officially stepped away from representative cricket after Jharkhand's exit from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he featured in four matches, picking up three wickets at an average of 53.33.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Aaron shared, "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. 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 burst onto the cricketing scene in the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy, clocking speeds over 150 km/h at the age of 21. However, his promising career was hampered by recurring injuries, particularly stress fractures of the back. Despite the setbacks, Aaron represented India in nine Tests and nine ODIs, with his last international appearance coming in November 2015 against South Africa in Bengaluru.
Varun's career in India jersey
Reflecting on his injury-prone journey, Aaron credited the support staff 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. This was only possible thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches," he said.
In domestic cricket, Aaron played 88 List A matches, taking 141 wickets at an average of 26.47 and an economy rate of 5.44. In T20s, he claimed 93 wickets across 95 games, with an economy rate of 8.53.
Aaron also had a nine-season stint in the IPL, representing teams such as Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans, where he won the title in 2022. Although his contribution to the title win was minimal, Aaron's career spanned many memorable moments in India's domestic and T20 leagues.
A product of the MRF Pace Academy, Aaron has been associated with the organisation since mid-2024 and has also worked as a cricket pundit. As he steps away from active cricket, Aaron looks forward to cherishing life's smaller joys while remaining connected to the game he loves.
2025-01-10T10:43:03Z