Can you believe that. Former England pacer James Anderson, who recently retired from international cricket, has never been a part of the IPL. Yes, that’s right. For a bowler to have played 188 Tests, 194 ODIs, and 19 T20Is for his country, the 42-year-old was never a part of the mega event. But now that he has registered for the IPL Auction 2025 at a base price 1.25 Cr, he could be a steal buy for all franchises.
James Anderson, A Must-have for RCB
Team like RCB should be really, really interested; here’s why. In the 19 T20Is he played, he bagged 18 wickets at a strike-rate of 7.84. That speaks volumes about the skills that he possesses. Plus, ever since he last played his last T20 match in 2014, he is a completely changed bowler.
For starters, he is supremely fit still. With just four overs up his sleeve, there would be no problem of commitment from him, in fact, he could prove to be a blessing for RCB. Usually, managing to clock 135 kmph until his last Test in July this year, with no further assignments, he could just clock 140 kmph and upwards as well. More than anything, whatever he produces, will only come as a surprise to the opposition, with the world not having seen him perform with the white ball in ages.
IPL Auction 2025
Additionally, he could be a good mentor to Yash Dayal, an upcoming bowler himself, and the other string of fast bowlers that RCB eventually bag at the IPL Auction. Someone like a Bhuvneshwar Kumar, if he comes to the setup as well, after being released from SRH, could form a potent partnership with Anderson.
Having said that, the only thing that might hold back a franchise in bagging him, is his longevity. This IPL Auction 2025 being a mega auction, will set the tone for the next three seasons. And no team, after just or two seasons would want to take a risk with James Anderson. Rest, we all would know on November 24, 25.
