Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron has said that the foundation of successful coaching lies in a genuine desire to help others, describing empathy and human connection as more important than tactical expertise alone. Aaron, who has transitioned into coaching and broadcasting following his retirement from professional cricket, shared his views ahead of joining Glasgow Cosmic as bowling coach for the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Having also served as Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowling coach during the 2026 Indian Premier League season, Aaron reflected on his journey from player to mentor and the values that now shape his coaching philosophy.
Speaking in an interview with IANS, Aaron said coaching offers a unique opportunity to positively influence an athlete's career. While acknowledging the importance of tactical and technical knowledge, he stressed that these qualities only become meaningful when a coach genuinely wants to help another person succeed. According to Aaron, empathy, patience and curiosity are essential traits for understanding the challenges athletes face and identifying the reasons behind their performances, whether mental, technical or tactical.
Aaron described his transition into coaching and broadcasting as a natural progression. He explained that his commentary career began after broadcasters approached him before his retirement, although playing commitments initially prevented him from accepting the opportunity. Since stepping away from competitive cricket, he has embraced broadcasting, saying it has allowed him to view the sport from a different perspective. Coaching opportunities, including his role with Sunrisers Hyderabad, also emerged organically, enabling him to remain closely connected with the game.
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The former pacer credited legendary Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee and former India seamer Subroto Banerjee as the two biggest influences on his coaching philosophy. Aaron said Lillee, whom he met at the MRF Pace Foundation as a teenager, instilled discipline, professionalism and an uncompromising work ethic that shaped his development as a fast bowler. Banerjee, meanwhile, played a crucial role in Aaron's comeback following a serious back injury by helping him simplify complex technical aspects of bowling and rebuild his action after surgery.
Aaron also acknowledged the influence of his family, noting that both his mother and grandmother were respected teachers in Jamshedpur. He said growing up in a family of educators helped him understand that coaching is fundamentally about teaching. The combination of lessons learned from his family, Lillee and Banerjee has, according to Aaron, formed the basis of his own coaching methods, while he continues to regard himself as a lifelong student of the game.
Reflecting on the injuries that disrupted his playing career, Aaron said those experiences have made him a more understanding and compassionate coach. He believes no athlete intentionally performs poorly, and that a coach's responsibility is to identify the underlying reasons for setbacks rather than react with frustration. By combining empathy with technical knowledge, Aaron hopes to create an environment where players feel supported, develop confidence and maximise their potential, both on and off the field.
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