MUMBAI: Pace bowler Varun Aaron, who played for India in nine Tests and as many ODIs, in which he took 29 wickets, on Friday announced his retirement from all formats of professional cricket at the age of 35.
The Jharkhand fast bowler confirmed his decision through a heart-warming post on social media platform 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 wrote.

On Feb 16 last year, he had already announced his retirement from first-class cricket.
Aaron had made headlines by clocking 153 kph during the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Gujarat, showcasing his raw pace. However, his career was plagued by recurring injuries, and he last played for India in a Test match against South Africa at Bengaluru in November 2015. He regularly played for Jharkhand in domestic cricket, though.
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“This journey would 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 possible thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy. I’d also like to thank the BCCI, JSCA, Red Bull, SG Cricket, and MRF Tyres for their invaluable support during critical junctures in my career,” he posted.
“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,” Aaron concluded.
Aaron played 52 IPL matches (44 wickets) for various franchises-Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans, and also took part in 88 List A games.
He took 173 wickets in 66 first-class matches, including six five-wicket hauls.He took a fiver in his last first-class match, against Rajasthan for Jharkhand, in Feb 2024.