Published: Dec 05, 2013, 08:38 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 05, 2013, 08:38 PM (IST)
By Divya Suryanarayan
Mumbai: Dec 5, 2013
Young speedster Varun Aaron, who has been out of action for nearly two years because of a recurring back problem that needed surgery, on Thursday said he hasn’t lost even a small amount of pace post his operation.
“I don’t think so (lost pace). I haven’t measured my speed, but I am not bowling slow,” he told PTI ahead of his side, Jharkhand’s maiden Ranji Trophy clash against holders Mumbai commencing on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
“I have been bowling well. I train really hard. That is one thing I learnt from (former Australia pacer) Dennis Lillee, that as long you are a fast bowler, you have to train really hard. Since 15, I have been at the [MRF] pace foundation [in Chennai]. I do train very hard and try to bowl as quick as possible,” he insisted.
Aaron, considered to be genuinely quick before his back injury, played in Indian Premier League (IPL) 5 for Delhi Daredevils in 2012 but was again troubled by his back and had to undergo surgery in March this year.
He has played for Jharkhand in three matches this season and picked up 11 wickets.
The 24-year-old said he wasn’t planning to undergo the surgery but had no choice.
“I was not supposed to undergo a back surgery in the beginning. But later on I didn’t have an option, so there wasn’t much thinking about it. I had to get a surgery done towards the end. It is good that it has worked for me.”
The young pacer, who made his Test debut against the West Indies here in November 2011, said it was disappointing not to play again for India because of injuries, but sounded hopeful of making a comeback.
“It is difficult. Once you get there you should always retain your place is what I feel. Especially when you are not in the team because of an injury…it is disappointing. Injury is something you don’t have control over, so I don’t give it much thought. I trust myself a lot and back myself a lot to make a comeback.”
Aaron had to miss the tour of Australia in December 2011 due to stress reaction in the back.
