Varun Aaron wants to bowl quick in an era of flat tracks and seemingly limitless cricket that can break even those with the strongest mind and body.
“One thing I can tell you with certainty is that Aaron will not compromise on speed. He just wants to bowl fast,” says M. Senthilnathan, head coach at the MRF Pace Foundation.
Speed thrills and when Aaron whipped up a delivery clocking a sensational 153 kmph last season there was a buzz around this young man. The occasion was big — it was the final of the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament — and the bustling paceman from Jharkhand did rattle the Gujarat batsmen with his velocity and lift.
Powerful batsman too
In his limited opportunities for Delhi Daredevils in IPL-Season IV, the 21-year-old Aaron has impressed with that precious ability to hit the bat hard. Batsmen, particularly those from the domestic circuit, would unwind for the big shot only to find the ball zipping in too quickly off the surface.
He consistently bowled at speeds between 140 and 145 kmph for the Daredevils and his economy rate of 6.83 was laudable for a franchise that had a forgettable season. Creditably, he sent down some telling yorkers.
Senthilnathan comprehends Aaron well. After all, the emerging paceman has spent nearly six years at Chennai's MRF Pace Foundation where his technique was honed.
“There are some pacemen who generate pace with their muscle; some others achieve this with rhythm. Aaron bowls with a combination of muscle and rhythm. He is a strong lad,” he says.
Senthilnathan has seen Aaron bowl with fire for Australian Centre of Excellence team in the popular annual competition for emerging cricketers down under. “He is confident, level-headed and equipped to play at the highest level.”
Already, Aaron has displayed the resolve to fight his way back from a threatening back injury. Reveals Senthilnathan, “He was jumping in near the umpire during the load-up and was getting too close to the wickets. Aaron was falling away at the delivery stride and this hurt his back.”
The legendary Dennis Lillee ironed out the chink and Aaron now has a straighter, smoother approach towards the target. Says Senthilnathan,
“Importantly, Aaron understood what was told to him. He comes from a very good family background and has a sound head.”
Aaron has a semi-open release that is popular with the current crop of pacemen. Studies have revealed that the classical side-on action, if not executed with perfection, could put the spinal cord under additional stress. Pacemen, consequently, veer towards a mixed action with disastrous consequences. Present-day coaches recommend either a front-on action or a semi-open release.
The promising Aaron has been working on his control without compromising on his speed; it can be a difficult task. But then, he has the right inspiration in the great Andy Roberts.
Aaron did have his moments in the season gone by. His five for 47 for East Zone against West in the Deodhar Trophy was a headline grabbing display. Essentially someone who swings the ball away, Aaron can bring the odd ball in and has a mean short ball.
Bigger tests await this aggressive paceman. Will his body and the determination to bowl fast endure? Aaron does have immense possibilities.
