Indian speedster Varun Aaron officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, in an emotional post on Instagram. Hailing from Jharkhand, Aaron made a name for himself with his raw pace, clocking speeds of 153 km/h during the 2010-11.
His consistent performances earned him a place in the Emerging Players Squad that toured Australia in 2011.
In his heartfelt post, Aaron reflected on his two-decade-long journey, expressing gratitude to his family, friends, and supporters. "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," he wrote.
Aaron also acknowledged the crucial role of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) support staff in helping him overcome multiple career-threatening injuries.
"This journey wouldn't have been possible without God, my family, friends, teammates, coaches, support staff, and fans. 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 extended his gratitude to organizations like the BCCI, JSCA, MRF Tyres, SG Cricket, and Red Bull for their support throughout his career. Aaron has also been associated with the MRF Pace Academy since mid-2024.
"I'd also like to thank 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 though I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am.”
He extended his gratitude to organizations like the BCCI, JSCA, MRF Tyres, SG Cricket, and Red Bull for their support throughout his career. Aaron has also been associated with the MRF Pace Academy since mid-2024.
Varun Aaron's Illustrious Career
Varun Aaron made his international debut for India in 2011 and went on to play 9 Tests and 9 ODIs picked 29 wickets. His last appearance in international cricket was during the Test series against South Africa in November 2015. However, frequent injuries disrupted his career.
Aaron had a notable domestic and IPL career. He featured in nine IPL seasons, representing teams like Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Gujarat Titans.
In domestic cricket, Aaron played 88 List A matches, claiming 141 wickets at an average of 26.47 and an economy rate of 5.44. In T20s, he took 93 wickets in 95 games with an economy of 8.53.
Aaron retired from first-class cricket in 2024 while he ended his professional cricket career with a win in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, representing Jharkhand against Goa.
His announcement marks the end of an illustrious journey that saw him overcome challenges to leave a lasting impact on Indian cricket, especially with his aggressive pace and determination.