Varun Aaron Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket

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Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron on Thursday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, ending an eventful 20-year career. Aaron retired from Ranji Trophy last year and used social media to make the announcement, looking back at his cricketing journey that spanned two decades.

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A Career of Triumphs and Trials

Varun Aaron’s career was marked by both triumphs and trials. After his debut for India in 2011, Aaron played for the national team in Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats. He played nine Test matches and took 18 wickets and nine ODIs, taking 11 wickets. Aaron is known for his pace and for generating fearful deliveries, but he has never had a very good international career. He suffered injuries that would often keep him out of the game for extended periods.

He last played for India in 2015. He was not called back into the national side since then. Yet, he has continued to perform well in domestic cricket and in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Struggling with Injury and Seeking Help

In his retirement statement, Aaron expressed gratitude to all those who played a role in his cricketing journey. Acknowledging the fact that he faced a career-threatening injury, he said that he would not have recovered from it if it were not for the invaluable support he received from various people and organizations. “For years I struggled with a career-ending injury and came back. This was possible only because of the coaches, physios, and trainers at the National Cricket Academy,” Aaron wrote in his Instagram post.

Aaron also took the time to thank several key supporters, such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jharkhand State Cricket Association, Red Bull, and SG Cricket. According to him, these institutions and people helped shape his career and contributed to his growth as a cricketer.

Contributions to IPL and Beyond

Though his international appearances were limited, Aaron had a notable career in the Indian Premier League. He played for several of the most prestigious IPL franchises: Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans. His last appearance in the IPL came in 2022, marking the end of his professional playing career in the tournament.

Despite retiring from playing, Aaron has expressed a desire to remain involved in cricket. In his post, he mentioned, “I will remain associated with cricket even after retirement.” This suggests that his passion for the game will continue in some capacity, possibly in coaching, mentoring, or commentary roles.

A Lifelong Affinity for Fast Bowling

In his heartwarming retirement message, Aaron also referred to fast bowling as his “first family.” Throughout his career, he showed immense love and commitment to the craft of fast bowling, and it remains a defining feature of his identity as a cricketer.

Aaron was an attacking fast bowler who had earned a lot of praise for his pace and aggression. He would go down in history as one of the most promising pace bowlers from India of his generation. Even though his international career did not scale the heights that many people expected, he left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, especially in the shorter formats.

Commentator and Cricket Enthusiast- Future End

Aaron has in recent times been found in the commentary box, his voice lending in discussions of the game. As he turns the page far away from field action, more than ever shall he enrich this cricketing community: well-positioned with his deep knowledge and exposure to the sport, to new avenues of serving the game.

In conclusion, Varun Aaron’s retirement means the end of an era for Indian cricket. His journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and passion for the game; though his playing days are behind him, his love for cricket will endure. As he steps into retirement, Aaron is still a treasure to the cricketing family.

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