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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to witness an unprecedented twist in its 2025 season, with the inclusion of cricket legends and emerging stars alike. The player auction, scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will feature 1,574 cricketers, including 1,165 Indian players and 409 overseas talents.
James Anderson registers for IPL auction
Amidst this vast talent pool, one name stands out: James Anderson. At 42, the legendary English fast bowler, who retired from international cricket earlier this year with a remarkable 704 Test wickets, has thrown his hat into the IPL ring for the first time, setting a base price of INR 1.25 crore.
Anderson’s registration has stunned fans and experts alike. With no prior experience in global franchise T20 leagues and a limited T20 career—his last appearance in the format was for Lancashire in 2014—Anderson’s choice to enter the IPL auction signals his intention to make a surprising final mark on the game. Here’s a closer look at five franchises that could be potential suitors for the English veteran, who could bring not only his skills but also his invaluable cricketing wisdom to any team’s lineup.
5 franchises who can go after Anderson in IPL 2025 auction
Also READ: James Anderson among 1574 players to register for IPL 2025 Auction
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are famously known for their preference for experienced and seasoned players, often dubbed a team where ‘age is just a number.’ Having retained young speedster Matheesha Pathirana, CSK could still benefit from a wise head like Anderson to bring depth and leadership to their bowling attack. Given Anderson’s skill in swinging the ball and his meticulous approach, he could help CSK build a well-rounded bowling unit.
CSK’s team management and former captain, MS Dhoni, appreciate players with tactical acumen and versatility, qualities that Anderson embodies. In addition to his bowling role, Anderson could serve as a mentor to the younger bowlers, especially Pathirana, providing invaluable insights into line, length, and game strategy. His mentorship would align perfectly with CSK’s approach, making him a valuable double asset both on and off the field.
2. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals (RR) have traditionally placed their faith in English players, with stars like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes having donned the RR jersey. This franchise has developed a reputation for valuing the English style of cricket, and Anderson would seamlessly fit into that legacy. His inclusion would not only bolster RR’s bowling options but also bring a high level of cricketing intellect to their squad.
The Royals often look for players who can contribute both tactically and skillfully, making Anderson a desirable pick. As a pace bowler who understands line and length like few others, Anderson could form a solid partnership with RR’s existing bowlers, creating a strong backbone for their bowling lineup. His experience would provide a steady hand in crunch situations, and his insights could help shape the team’s younger bowlers into future stars.
3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
With only two players retained and the highest auction purse among all teams, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are primed to make a splash in the 2025 auction. Known for their aggressive bids on high-profile players, PBKS could very well set their sights on Anderson. His inclusion would add a mature presence to Punjab’s bowling department and could serve as the linchpin around which they build a more balanced attack.
In recent years, PBKS has shown a preference for English talent, acquiring players like Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone. Anderson would continue this trend while bringing his unique skill set to the table. In particular, PBKS would benefit from Anderson’s ability to take control in high-pressure situations, offering stability to their often inconsistent bowling lineup. His technical advice would be invaluable, and his sheer experience could make Punjab a formidable bowling force in the tournament.
4. Gujarat Titans (GT)
The IPL 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans (GT), are undergoing a significant rebuilding phase, having released several key bowlers, including Joshua Little, Mohammad Shami, and Mohit Sharma. This puts GT in urgent need of a top-tier bowler who can lead their attack, and Anderson could be the answer. His wealth of experience and understanding of the game would provide stability and direction to GT’s bowling lineup.
In the previous season, GT struggled with consistency in their bowling, and Anderson’s technical expertise could help them address this issue. Known for his ability to exploit even the slightest weaknesses in batters, Anderson could bring a strategic edge to GT’s bowling unit, helping them maintain pressure throughout their innings. Furthermore, his presence would be beneficial for younger bowlers, who could learn from his experience and fine-tune their skills, potentially elevating GT’s overall performance.
5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
The possibility of Virat Kohli and Anderson—once fierce rivals on the international stage—playing together for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would be a major draw for fans worldwide. The mutual respect between Kohli and Anderson has grown over years of intense battles on the field, and their combination would bring unparalleled excitement to IPL 2025. For RCB, a team often criticized for an inconsistent bowling attack, Anderson could bring much-needed discipline and depth.
RCB has retained a promising young bowler, Yash Dayal, who could greatly benefit from Anderson’s mentorship. Anderson’s expertise in bowling in the death overs and managing high-pressure situations would provide RCB with a tactical advantage they have long sought. His presence would also create a unique learning environment for the team’s bowlers, giving RCB a chance to build a strong bowling foundation with Anderson as the cornerstone.
Also READ: From Shreyas Iyer to KL Rahul: Best playing XI of released players ahead of IPL 2025 auction
Notably, the addition of Anderson to the IPL 2025 roster has set the stage for an intriguing auction, with numerous teams likely considering his vast experience and potential impact on their lineups. Despite his limited T20 background, Anderson’s skill, insight, and cricketing wisdom make him a highly valuable player both on and off the field. Whichever franchise secures Anderson could gain not only a seasoned bowler but a mentor whose influence might shape the next generation of IPL talent.
