9 Facts about Varun Aaron – The Jharkhand speedster

9 Facts about Varun Aaron – The Jharkhand speedster: India has not been perennially known for producing players clocking 140+ consistently in the international circuit, but in late 2011, two players gave a new hope to the next-gen of the budding speedsters. While Umesh Yadav was all about raw pace, Varun Aaron had a fluid run up and following it with a clean release. While yet to consistently feature in the Indian team, he has been improving in the sidelines and has been tuning up his major problem- control and fitness issues.

But with age still on his side, Aaron has a lot of time to tune his skills, and seal himself as India’s premier speedster.

1. Birth:

Varun Aaron was born and brought up in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

2. Stint at MRF Pace Academy:

Aaron was selected to train at the prestigious breeding ground for pacers in India, the MRF pace academy at the age of 15. And thanks to his stint, he soon went on to represent Jharkhand, East Zone and Indian U-19 sides.

3. First Class debut:

A couple of stress fractures, a common injury to bowlers who put strain on their back, denied him an early Ranji call-up. But he eventually made his Ranji debut in the 2008-09 season.

4. Road to India call-up

Post an impressive 2010-11 Ranji Season, where Varun Aaron clocked 153.4 kmph, he was selected for emerging players squad which went on to tour Australia. After impressing the selectors with his performances, he was drafted into the ODI and T20I team to play against England, as a replacement for Ishant Sharma.

5. ODI debut:

Varun Aaron made his ODI debut against England at Wankhede and impressed everyone with his pace and accuracy. He picked up 3 wickets, giving away just 24 runs, all of which were bowled.

6. Test debut:

Varun Aaron’s continued impressive performances earned him a place in the Test squad in the home series against West Indies, and made his debut at the Wankhede, with India already having wrapped up the series in the previous Test. On a rank turner, he picked up 3 wickets in the first innings for 106 and was wicketless in the second innings. He was the last batsman out there along with Ashwin, with the scores being equal when the match headed towards a draw.

7. International comeback following hiatus:

Following a 2 and a half year hiatus from international cricket due to recurring stress injuries, Varun Aaron made it to the Test squad in India’s tours of England and Australia. Varun Aaron played two Tests in England and Australia, and despite not having a major contribution, Varun Aaron chipped in with a couple of wickets here and there. Varun Aaron played in India’s first Test loss against Sri Lanka at Galle and was dropped in the following Test to accommodate another spinner.

8. Role model:

Varun Aaron has mentioned that  former West Indies pacer Andy Roberts was his role model while he grew up.

9. Some speed barriers broken:

• In the 2010-11 Ranji season, Varun Aaron clocked 153.4 km/h, one of the fastest deliveries bowled by an Indian in domestic cricket.
• In an ODI match against Sri Lanka, Varun Aaron clocked 152.4km/h and was the fastest bowler of the match.
• Varun Aaron bowled the second fastest ball of the 2015 IPL, clocking 150.2km/h.

Also Read – Top 5 Fastest balls delivered by Indians in Cricket