Arora has established himself as a vital component of KKR’s bowling unit ©Sportzpics
“I packed my belongings from Chandigarh and went home,” recalls Vaibhav Arora, the pacer for Kolkata Knight Riders, speaking to Cricbuzz. Originating from Ambala, a small town about 50 kilometers from Chandigarh, Arora contemplated quitting cricket at 21 because his career seemed stagnant.
He struggled to secure a spot on the Punjab Under-19 team and was not making it into senior district teams. After much waiting, Arora came to the conclusion that he might not succeed as a professional cricketer.
Additionally, his family faced a significant financial setback due to losses in their dairy business, making it challenging to finance his training in Chandigarh.
However, since joining KKR in the IPL over the past two seasons, his situation has dramatically changed. In 2025, contrasting with 2018, he feels optimistic and satisfied with everything he could have hoped for.
In a recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite initial discussions over the pitch at Eden Gardens, KKR managed to secure a victory with a surface that favored their potent spin attack. Yet, before the spinners had their chance, Arora showcased remarkable swing bowling that dismantled SRH’s top order early in the powerplay, securing the match’s outcome without waiting for the pitch’s assistance.
Arora’s evolution over the seasons can be attributed to the unwavering support of his coach, Ravi Kumar Varma, who urged him not to abandon cricket. Understanding his financial struggles, Varma offered Arora free accommodation and training at his academy, strengthening his resolve to persist in the game.
Reflecting on his past self, the now-27-year-old Arora would encourage his 21-year-old self to continue working hard regardless of the circumstances and to maintain his belief in himself, promising that someday there would be rewards for his efforts.
