Anderson has never played in a T20 franchise league and his last T20 match was in 2014.
The IPL 2025 mega auction will be held on November 24 and 25 and many big players have registered, including James Anderson. This is the first time it is participating in the mega auction, with a base price of Rs 1.25 crore. Although Anderson is 42 years old and has retired from international cricket, his experience as a fast bowler could make him an attractive option for franchises.
Although Anderson has never played in a T20 franchise league, and his last T20 match was in 2014, his decision to participate in the auction suggests he could be planning a return to the format. He could also take on the role of mentor, sharing his experience and helping young players, which could prove beneficial to teams in the long term.
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Given their experience, here are three franchises that could consider bidding for James Anderson in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals have long had a strong connection with English cricketers, and players such as Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Joe Root have been part of the franchise. With Trent Boult, their new-ball specialist bowler, released, James Anderson could step in and take on that role.
Adding an English legend like James Anderson would probably be on their radar, especially as Jos Buttler was not retained before the mega auction. Anderson’s vast experience could be valuable to the franchise as they look to fill the void left by Boult.
Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai Super Kings are known for backing experienced players, regardless of their age, and have a track record of getting the best performances from older and retired players. Continuing with this tradition, they could consider bidding for James Anderson in the next mega auction. His experience in Indian conditions could prove invaluable to the team.
Furthermore, Anderson could serve as a great mentor, along with MS Dhoni, for the younger players in the CSK squad, especially now that Dwayne Bravo is no longer a part of the team. Therefore, CSK are likely to show interest in the English legend.
Riders of the Knights of Calcutta
KKR could also consider bidding for James Anderson in the auction as they have a history of working with experienced players like Pravin Tambe in the past. With Mitchell Starc released ahead of the auction, Anderson could be a cost-effective option to take on the starting pitching role with the new ball.
Additionally, young players like Harshit Rana could benefit from Anderson’s guidance. With Dwayne Bravo joining the front office as a mentor, both Anderson and Bravo could provide valuable support to the youngsters on the team.
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