New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) Expressing his heartfelt sentiment, fast bowler Varun Aaron has declared his retirement from all types of representative cricket via a social media update on Friday. At 35 years old, Aaron had previously stepped away from red-ball cricket following the conclusion of the 2023/24 domestic cricket season.
"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. This journey wouldn't have been possible without God, my family, friends, teammates, coaches, support staff, and fans."
"Throughout 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 achievable thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy."
"I'd also like to extend my gratitude to the BCCI, JSCA, Red Bull, SG Cricket, and MRF Tyres for their invaluable support during critical junctures in my career. 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. Fast Bowling has been my first love, and although I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am," wrote Aaron in his Instagram post.
A product of the MRF Pace Academy, Aaron’s remarkable ability to bowl consistently at 150kmph revolutionized Indian cricket and paved the way for his international debut in 2011. He represented India in nine Tests and an equal number of ODIs, claiming a total of 19 wickets. His last appearance for India occurred in 2015 during a Test match against South Africa in Bengaluru.
However, his career was marred by stress fractures in his back, with Aaron's final cricketing venture being the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he played four matches and took three wickets at an average of 53.33 for Jharkhand.
Aaron participated in nine IPL seasons from 2011 to 2022, playing for Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans.
He celebrated an IPL victory in 2022 when the Titans clinched the title in their inaugural tournament. Beyond cricket, Aaron has collaborated with his alma mater, the MRF Pace Foundation, led by the legendary Glenn McGrath, and served as an analyst for IPL 2024 for broadcasters Star Sports.
