South African all-rounder Marco Jansen has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the void left by Mitchell Starc in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
Jansen’s recent performances against India have significantly bolstered his IPL 2025 auction prospects, positioning him as a valuable asset for franchises seeking a dynamic left-arm pacer with substantial batting prowess.
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In the third T20I against India on 13 November 2024, Jansen had an impressive bowling performance, posting figures of 4-0-28-1 in a high-scoring encounter. His disciplined bowling was complemented by a remarkable batting display, where he scored a quick 54 runs off just 17 balls, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly with the bat.
Despite South Africa’s defeat, Jansen’s all-round performance highlighted his potential to be a game-changer in the shortest format.
Jansen was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team in the previous IPL season but was released ahead of the upcoming mega auction. His release is now attracting interest from multiple franchises looking to strengthen their teams with a versatile player who can impact matches with both bat and ball.
KKR looking to replace Mitchell Starc
KKR had acquired Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for a record Rs 24.75 crore last season but decided to release him ahead of the 2025 auction.
Starc’s departure has left a significant gap in KKR’s bowling lineup, particularly in the left-arm pace department.
Jansen, being a left-arm pacer, presents a similar replacement with the added advantage of his batting capabilities.
Jansen as an improvement over Starc
Jansen, 24, offers a youthful alternative to Starc, 34. His recent performances indicate that he is a player reaching his prime, with potential for further development.
While Starc is known for his bowling, Jansen’s ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order provides a double advantage, making him a more well-rounded option for teams looking for depth in both departments.
KKR to face tough competition from other teams in IPL 2025 auction
KKR’s interest in Jansen is evident, given their need to fill the void left by Starc and their strategy to form a balanced squad. However, the franchise could face stiff competition during the auction.
Teams like Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have significantly higher remaining purse amounts compared to KKR, which positions them to overtake KKR if they choose to chase Jansen.
As per the latest reports, the remaining money for each franchise heading to the IPL 2025 mega auction is as follows:
– Punjab Kings (PBKS): 110.5 million rupees
– Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Rs 83 crore
– Delhi Capitals (DC): ₹73 crore
– Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Rs 69 crore
– Gujarat Titans (GT): 69 crores
– Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): 51 crores
These figures indicate that KKR will need to come up with effective strategies to secure Jansen’s services, considering the financial power of competing franchises.
Jansen made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2021 before moving to SRH. His league career has been marked by glimpses of his potential, but his recent international performances suggest he is ready to make a significant impact.
His ability to bowl at good pace, bounce and contribute with quick runs makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
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Strategic fit for KKR
For KKR, acquiring Jansen would not only address the need for a left-arm pacer but also add depth to their batting line-up. His inclusion could provide balance to the team, allowing for greater flexibility in team composition and strategy.
Furthermore, his age aligns with KKR’s potential long-term planning, offering a player who can serve the franchise for several seasons.
While KKR’s interest is logical given their team’s current requirements, the franchise will need to navigate the auction dynamics carefully, considering competition from other teams with larger purses.
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