Jharkhand bowler Varun Aaron sent shockwaves when he crossed the 153kmph mark in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2010-11 final against Gujarat. Aaron, a product of MRF Pace Foundation, was considered a hot property considering the scarcity of pacers who could hit the 150 kmph mark consistently. However, injuries prevented him from getting a longer run and he made his last international appearance in 2015. The 34-year-old will hang his boots after Jharkhand's ongoing clash against Rajasthan.
Express pacer battles injuries
"I have been playing red-ball cricket since 2008. Since I bowled fast, I picked up a number of injuries. I understand now that my body won't allow me to continue bowling fast in red-ball cricket, so I have decided to quit,” Aaron told ESPNCricinfo.
"This might be my last game in front of my family and the people of Jamshedpur, because we don't often play white-ball games here [Keenan Stadium]. I had started my career here, so this is quite emotional for me."
Aaron made his ODI debut against England in October 2011. Next month, he made his Test debut against West Indies. He represented India in nine Tests and as many ODIs. He has 18 wickets with red ball and 11 with white ball at the international stage.
Aaron is known for his deadly bouncer that snuck through Stuart Broad's helmet grill and fractured his nose. The incident took place at the Old Trafford.
Aaron has played for six Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises: Kings XI Punjab (Now Punjab Kings), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Gujarat Titans (GT), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He has 44 wickets in his IPL career at an average of 26.
Why Varun Aaron announced his retirement
"Pace is my favourite thing while bowling," he said. "Whenever I bowl, my only focus is to bowl as fast as I can. But you need to understand your body too."
Aaron has played just two matches for Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. He has not been in the best of forms with just one wicket from two games. After taking a single wicket against Maharashtra in a drawn match, he remained wicketless against Services in another drawn match.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
ICC bans Rizwan for 17 and half years for corrupting players in Abu Dhabi T10 League
