Varun Aaron puts his injury record straight

Chennai: Varun Aaron wants to set the record straight on the “misconception” that the Jharkhand pacer gets injured often. “My last injury was some three-and-a half years ago. It was just one injury that kept recurring. And it was something related to my still developing bones. It can happen to even the fittest guy in the world,” said Aaron who is back to training after getting married earlier this month.

The 26-year-old said he was a little disappointed to be out of the national team. “Any cricketer would like to be playing cricket all the time. I have started training after a break and I am looking forward to the IPL. I want to be in good shape,” he said.

Glenn McGrath is puzzled why his trainee is not getting fair share of chances with the Indian team.

“He clocks 150kmph regularly and he is a genuine fast bowler. He swings the ball well. He is the guy that India can use better. When he gets another chance, I hope it happens. I hate to see a bowler cutting down on pace to have a better control. I would rather prefer to see them work harder in the nets. Aaron is definitely not going to slow down,” said the Australian.

Reiterating that he will not compromise on pace in a bid to achieve control, Aaron said he would wait for his chance. “I really believe in myself. I managed to comeback to the team after a two-and-a-half-year gap. Being in and out is frustrating, but it’s not in my control. All I can do is bowl well and take wickets. I have many years left in my career and I am sure I will get my chances. With the amount of cricket played these days, a fast bowler has to be committed. In this regard, my inspiration was Dennis Lillee. As I spent a lot of time with him, it comes automatically,” he added.

Aaron led Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with M.S. Dhoni playing under him. Aaron said it was an “awkward moment.”

“I wasn’t nervous, but it was a bit awkward because he captained me in all my international matches. However, it was a good learning experience. Dhoni gave a lot of inputs. It will hold me in good stead in coming years. Both Dhoni and Kohli give a lot of confidence to the bowlers. They give the first choice to the bowler when setting up the field,” he said.