3 teams that might target James Anderson in IPL 2025

James Anderson. (Source – ICC)

When 20-over cricket had just broken through the threshold of international cricket, it was presumed to be a youngster’s game. It was anticipated that the format would be dominated by modern blood, and that it would not be a format in which bowlers would be able to sustain their presence for long. Contrary to assumptions, the reality was far from what had been projected.

There was something in it for everyone. In fact, it was the shortest format of the game which brought together a diverse spectrum of individuals to exhibit their dynamic cricketing abilities. The beauty of the format was such that it transcended age and experience, first when it was introduced into international cricket and even more when the Indian Premier League entered the scene.

Cut to the present, along the same lines it is James Anderson who has submitted his name to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2025. The seasoned English campaigner might have played his last 20-over game in August 2014, but that did not stop the relentlessly eager and evergreen stalwart to register his name for the showpiece event which will take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Having enrolled himself for a base price of INR 1.25 crore, below is a list of the franchises who might catalyze a bidding franzy for the legend of the game.

3) Chennai Super Kings

CSK. (Source:X/Twitter)

The Chennai Super Kings have had a history of opting for players possessing experience in their repertoire. Muttiah Muralitharan being picked up by CSK in the twilight of his international career, Michael Hussey being brought back into the setup for IPL 2015 when he was nearly 40, and Suresh Raina who went on to represent CSK till IPL 2021 are a few cases testifying the above statement. The 42-year-old would be surely one player which would tempt the think tank to opt for him.

Historically speaking, Chepauk has tended to be towards the slower side as compared to some of the other venues. As is observed on several instances, medium pacers have been a little hard to get away with whenever they have pitched the ball on the “hard length”. Anderson’s lack of pace might just work well for him and CSK’s benefit.

Matheesha Pathirana is one amongst the five players to have been retained by the franchise. He has had a history of having to deal with quite some injuries when it comes to his hamstring and shoulder in the past. Anderson would be an ideal standby to fill in for Pathirana, in the unfortunate circumstance of the Sri Lankan incurring an injury. 

Also Check: IPL 2025: 5 released openers who can earn big bucks in mega auction

2) Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals. (Source – RR)

From a traditional context, the Rajasthan Royals have had a strong affinity towards acquiring English players. Anderson could very well see himself being bagged by the Royals, much like a few of his fellow compatriots (Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Liam Livingstone).

Head coach and Director of Cricket of the Royals, Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, respectively, could consider bringing in Anderson in the capacity of player-cum-bowling coach. With the Paarl Royals getting rid of Shane Bond as their head coach for SA20 2025, there arises a slight possibility of them doing away with Bond as their assistant and bowling coach too. This, in turn, opens a vacancy for Anderson to become a member of the backroom staff.  

RR’s first skipper, Shane Warne, who led the franchise to 31 wins in the 56 games he shephered, was appointed as the mentor and brand ambassador of the franchise. Anderson could very well become the next Warne. Not to suggest that he would play as many games even if he gets picked up in the mega auction, but a similar trajectory might be in the minds of the Royals for Anderson.

Also Check: IPL 2025: 5 Players who earned more than 5 crore last year but might go for their base price this year

1) Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR Logo. (Source – KKR)

One of the uncapped players of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Harshit Rana, although having made his place as one of the regular features of the squad, is still young regardless. It is to be seen whether he makes his debut in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy and even if he does, would still need a shoulder to lean on when it comes to gaining access to some valuable tips. Anderson would be the perfect fit as a player and bowling mentor for Rana and any other younger fast bowlers which KKR might bring into their group.

Harbhajan Singh was one such player which KKR acquired in 2021 who more than playing, served as the supportive presence for the younger players. He played only three of KKR’s 17 matches in that particular campaign where they finished as runners-up. With all the wisdom attained in his 22-year stint with his country as well as the spell with the team in which he functioned as a bowling consultant, it is sure that Anderson would make for an efficient beacon of guidance.

The Eden Gardens is one of the few tracks which when prepared with a green covering, is sure to assist the pacers with the new ball. The verdant Kolkata track would be quite a handful if Anderson is utilized as a new-ball bowler. Considering his expertise with the same in the longest format of the game, it won’t be the least surprising about him emulating the same wizardry while at KKR.