India pacer Varun Aaron retires from 'representative cricket'

India pacer Varun Aaron who was once regarded as the countrys fastest bowler before injuries hampered his promising career announced retirement from representative cricket on Friday after his home state Jharkhands campaign ended in the ongoing Vijay Hazare TrophyThe 35yearold Aaron made the announcement on social media after Jharkhand failed to go beyond the preliminary stage of the marquee domestic oneday event After a dazzling start Aaron struggled with erratic form which was made worse by injury breakdowns and he had not represented India since 2015And thatrsquos a wrap Thanks for all the love pictwittercomYze3JReX06mdash Varun Aaron VarunAaron January 10 2025For 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 posted on his Instagram accountAt just 21 Aaron burst onto the scene during the 201011 Vijay Hazare Trophy showcasing his raw pace and making a mark with a blistering 153kph delivery against Gujarat in the finalHis ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150kph quickly caught the attention of the Indian cricketing fraternity and he soon made his international debut in an ODI against England in Mumbai in 2011This was followed by a Test debut at the same venue against the West Indies again in 2011However the relentless demands of bowling at high speed took a significant toll on his body He played nine ODIs and as many Tests taking 29 wickets across the two formats for IndiaOver the course of his career he endured as many as eight back stress fractures and three foot fractures which severely hampered his progressInjuries had forced him to give up redball cricket last yearOver the years Ive had to push both my physical and mental limits to recover from numerous careerthreatening 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 AcademyId also like to thank the BCCI JSCA Jharkhand State Cricket Association Red Bull SG Cricket and MRF Tyres for their invaluable support during critical junctures in my careerAs I bid farewell to a pursuit that has consumed me completely I now look forward to savouring the smaller joys in life while staying deeply connected to the game that has given me everythingFast Bowling has been my first love and though I step off the field it will always be a part of who I am he addedAmong his memorable moments in the game he had grabbed headlines by breaking Stuart Broads nose with a bouncer during a Test match in 2014Broad had tried to pull the delivery but the ball took the edge and sneaked inside the grill of his helmet to hit him on the noseDespite not making the Indian team since 2015 Aaron continued to bowl in domestic cricket He picked 141 wickets at an average of 2647 and an economy rate of 544 in 88 List A matchesHe also snared 93 wickets at an economy rate of 853 in the 95 T20s he playedAaron also played nine seasons of the IPL between 2011 and 2022 turning out for with Delhi Daredevils Kings XI Punjab Kolkata Knight Riders Rajasthan Royals Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat TitansIn his final season he won the title with Gujarat Titans in 2022With agency inputs