Aaron, for whom this IPL could have proved to be the launchpad to return to India colours, played his last international game in November 2015 -- a Test match against England. A series of stress fractures had derailed his international career, which has so far seen 9 Test and 9 ODI appearances.
But Aaron is now confident that he has put that behind him and knows his body and its requirements and limitations better than before. It has helped him avoid any breakdowns for more than a year now.
"I think getting these stress fractures and having these injuries have made me more aware of my body," said the Royals' bowler.
"I know my body now better than I ever did, and now I know how to distinguish between an injury and a niggle. So sometimes when I know it is a niggle, I can push on. But when I know it's an injury, I can stop.
"What I have really learned from it is just how important it is to know your body and to train according to what your body needs, rather than just blindly follow what everybody else is doing or just do things without even thinking. That's the biggest takeaway," Aaron explained.
And he didn't miss thanking those who helped him pull through those recuperation phases.
"I have been really blessed to have a great family and friends, a very supportive wife and a great support system. Luckily today, the MRF Pace Foundation is a place where I can always go and train, where I have all the facilities at my disposal. Throughout all my injuries, the BCCI has been great, they have always supported me with the NCA. Along the road, with the many IPL teams I have played for, I have made great friends when it comes to physios and trainers, so I can always bounce ideas off their head," he said.
There was a thought once that Aaron's repeated injuries was because he's an effort bowler. But he rubbishes that as a "misconception".
"I think this is a very big misconception -- effort bowlers and rhythm bowlers. Bowling fast needs rhythm, which translates into you putting effort. It's always rhythm and effort, not just one. It's like saying that in batting you need only the hands and not the eye. Fast bowling is the same. You need rhythm, which you can then translate into you putting effort," said Aaron.
The discussion rounded off with the most obvious question of all. How confident is Aaron about breaking back into the Indian team, especially when its current pace department has consistently dished out match-winning performances -- both at home and abroad?
"I think competition never bothers me," said Aaron. "Technically, you wouldn't see people (new players) coming into the squad when you have just won a World Cup (2011). But I had put in those performances and broken into the team then.
"To be honest, the only reason I played the game is to play for the country and nothing else. The day I feel I am not good enough to play for the country or my skill-set is not as good as what the Indian team requires from a bowler, that's the day I would walk away from the game."
"But as long as I know I can do that, I will always want to play for the country, and I am sure I will play for the country," he concluded.