Varun Aaron announces shock retirement from cricket

Varun Aaron announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Friday, January 10, with a heartwarming post on his Instagram handle. He had made headlines by clocking 153 kph during the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Gujarat, showcasing his raw pace.

Unfortunately, the Indian pacer’s career has been plagued by recurring injuries, as he could represent the country in a total of 18 international matches, finishing with only 29 wickets. However, Aaron was regularly playing domestic cricket for Jharkhand.

Varun Aaron announces retirement from all forms of cricket

But the injuries forced Varun Aaron to announce his retirement from red-ball cricket last February, and now he has eventually bowed out of all forms of the game. The fast bowler played his last game for Jharkhand against Goa in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 on January 10.

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Calling time on his cricket career, Aaron said on Instagram: “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 thanked his family members, friends, coaches, teammates, support staff, and fans for playing a part in his cricketing journey over the years. He also expressed his gratitude to the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for their support and relentless dedication during his career-threatening injuries throughout his cricketing journey.

'This journey wouldn't have been possible without you': Varun Aaron thanks everyone who supported him in his journey

The fast bowler further wrote in his post: “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.”

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A post shared by Varun Aaron (@varunaaron77)

Furthermore, Varun Aaron, who was the product of the MRF Pace Academy, expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), and his sponsors Red Bull, SG Cricket, and MRF Tyres for their support throughout his career.

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Fast bowling would always remain my first love: Varun Aaron

As the 35-year-old bids farewell to professional cricket, he looks forward to enjoying life's smaller moments while remaining connected to the game he loves deeply. Varun said that he is stepping out off the field, but fast bowling would always be his first love and hold a special place in his heart for life.

Aaron said, “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.”

Notably, Aaron last played for India in a Test match against South Africa in Bengaluru back in 2015. He played 66 first-class matches and scalped 173 wickets, while he has 141 wickets in 88 List-A matches to his name. Aaron also played 95 T20 matches, taking 93 wickets at an average of around 30.