Varun Aaron is the fastest bowler in India at the moment. And as far as my memory stretches, he’s the fastest Indian bowler, I have ever seen. He became very popular in the domestic circuits of India after he clocked 153kph in the Vijay Hazare trophy final against Gujrat.
Coming from Jharkhand, Aaron has been a part of the MRF pace academy in Chennai since he was 15. He played for Jharkhand U-19 side and East Zone, and soon got a call for the national U-19 team. He idolizes Andy Roberts and dreamt of bowling fast from his childhood days.
He made his Ranji trophy debut for Jharkhand in the 2008-09 season and impressed one and all with his raw pace. After bowling consistently well in the domestic circuit, Aaron finally got some reward, when he has picked to play in the IPL (2011), by Delhi Daredevils. Later in 2011, Aaron played an important role for India’s Emerging Players series against Australia in Australia. His bowling was appreciated and on the back of good performances, he earned an ODI call for the series against England.
He made his ODI debut in Mumbai in October 2011. A month later, he made his test debut against West Indies on the same ground. But, just after his debut series, he got injured and had to stay away from the field for almost 10 months.
Since then, Aaron has been almost there, but hasn’t really made the mark.
In the recently concluded Test series against England, Aaron bowled well and once again, impressed one and all with his ability to bowl fast. Varun Aaron, if he wants to cement his place as the leading fast bowler of India, must lift his game and start delivering consistent performances. As the fastest bowler in the country, selectors might give him more time than others, but Aaron shouldn’t wait for this.
In the World Cup 2015, Aaron can play a big role for India. Conditions in Australia will suit his style of bowling, and he can be match-winner for India. But, it will only happen if he cements his place in the side by delivering consistent performances.
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