Former India Pacer Varun Aaron: Speed, Setbacks and Exit

New Delhi, October 28: Varun Aaron's career remains a story of blazing speed interrupted by repeated setbacks. The former India fast bowler is remembered for his pace, but injuries and inconsistency prevented him from establishing a lasting place in the national side.

Aaron was one of the few Indian bowlers known for regularly delivering at over 150 kmph. He was born in Jharkhand on October 29, 1989, and his love for the game was evident early on, as he troubled batters with his speed even as a 14-year-old.

At 15, he earned a place at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where his technique and pace were further developed. He debuted in domestic cricket in 2008 and soon emerged as a talking point.

In the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he touched 153 kmph and took five-wicket hauls in an innings six times. His 66 first-class matches yielded 173 wickets, leading to his call-up to the Indian team.

He made his international debut against England in 2011 and played his first Test the same year. Across 9 ODIs, he took 11 wickets at an average of 38.09, while his 9 Test appearances produced 18 wickets.

Aaron became widely noticed during the 2014 tour of England, when a fast delivery broke Stuart Broad's nose. Yet the continuing injury problems shaped the rest of his career.

He endured eight stress fractures and three fractures in his foot. Lack of consistency and difficulty in maintaining a good line and length also limited his effectiveness. By 2015, emerging fast bowlers and growing competition had pushed him out of the Indian team, and he was not seen in the national side again.