Varun Aaron announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Seasoned speedster Varun Aaron, who played nine Tests and nine ODIs for India between 2011 and 2015, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Aaron, who represented Jharkhand in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy season, made the announcement on social media, bringing to an end a 17-year-long professional career.

“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 wrote. 

“I've had to push both my physical and mental limits to recover from numerous career-threatening injuries, having to comeback time and again, this was only possible thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy.

“I'd also like to thank the BCCI, JSCA, Red Bull, SG Cricket, and MRF Tyres for their invaluable support during critical junctures in my career.”

Aaron burst onto the scene 14 years ago as one of the fastest bowlers, not just in India but in the entire world. Thus, he was fast-tracked due to his X-factor. He made heads turn with his pace in the three games he played in IPL 2011 for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and made his ODI and Test debut later the same year. 

The right-arm tearaway played nine Tests overall, four of which came in England and Australia. His last Test appearance came in 2015 against South Africa in Bengaluru, where he famously castled Hashim Amla with an absolute pearler. That wicket of Amla turned out to be Aaron’s last-ever Test wicket. 

The 35-year-old also played 52 IPL games, representing five franchises. His last appearance in the IPL came for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2022 edition.