FAST AND STUDIOUS

In the fourth episode of CEAT Beyond the Scoreboard, Varun Aaron, former India pacer, broadcaster and now coach, talks about the art and science of bowling fast

- BY ANIRUDH MADHAVAN

FOR ALL THE RICHES Indian cricket has in terms of talent, there is a unicorn still out there. A young man clocking speeds north of 150km/h, making scouts furiously take notes and fans dream of cartwheeling stumps. Even Jasprit Bumrah, India's best-ever all-format bowler, doesn't hit that 150 mark often. Not that he needs to. There are currently two such unicorns in the Indian setup—Umran Malik from Jammu and Mayank Yadav from Delhi. Both fast, raw and prone to break down. Varun Aaron could write a book on that. And someday, he might. Right now, the former speedster from Jharkhand has found a second wind in his role as commentator and coach. His knowledge of biomechanics and his own experience of lugging around a reluctant body have helped him in this new life.

In episode four of CEAT Beyond The Scoreboard—a podcast series where THE WEEK, in association with CEAT, peels back the curtain on India's favourite sport—Aaron spoke to Ayaz Memon, consultant, sports, THE WEEK, about a range of topics, including the art and science of fast bowling and how future unicorns can eventually become workhorses.