Three teams that can target James Anderson in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 Mega Auction, a shocking piece of news arrived on social media as England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson registered himself for the auction. For the unversed, Anderson has never played in the Indian Premier League and his decision to participate has, indeed left everyone scratching their heads.

Anderson drew curtains on his legendary international cricket career, this year. However, his passion for the game and hunger to keep bowling, perhaps, tempted him to probably finish his cricketing career with the most competitive cricket league in the world.

"There is still definitely something in me that thinks like I can still play. I have never done the IPL; I have never experienced it and I think for a number of reasons I feel like I have more to give as a player," Anderson opened up on his decision to register for IPL auction in a BBC Radio 4 Today podcast.

Having said that, he isn’t counted among the best when it comes to the shortest format. His last T20 international fixture dates back to 2009 against South Africa. He never took part in T20 internationals after that and focused solely on ODIs and Tests. Anderson finished his T20 international cricket career with 18 wickets in 19 T20Is at 7.85. Anderson is 42 now and his inability to create a prolific impact in the shorter format might not help him in expressing interest in a lot of franchises at the auction. 

However, it doesn't take away the fact that he is an exceptional swing bowler and can swing the bowl even in subcontinent conditions with the new ball. Anderson is counted among the greatest fast bowlers ever seen in the game and his vast experience could be handy in any team's dressing room. James Anderson has set his base prize at 1.25 crores for the auction. Teams, perhaps, won’t mind having him at such a prize. 

On that note, let’s take a look at three franchises that can target James Anderson at the IPL 2025 IPL Mega Auction: 

1. Chennai Super Kings 

Chennai Super Kings should be at the top of the list of teams that would be interested in acquiring Anderson’s services. The Yellow Army is known for picking experienced players in their set-up. From Michael Hussey to Shane Watson, from Ambati Rayudu to Ajinkya Rahane, the Chennai Super Kings have never shied away from picking experienced players over young talents. 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise if CSK end up buying Anderson’s services for the mega-auction. Historically, the swing bowlers have done well with the new ball at Chepauk and CSK are quite aware of that. Deepak Chahar didn’t do too well last season for them and Anderson could take his place if they can’t get the Indian pacer back into their arsenal.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders

Eden Gardens in Kolkata is, perhaps, one ground where Anderson could be lethal with the new ball and at the backend of the innings. They haven’t retained Mitchell Starc ahead of the next season. KKR would be looking to add experienced bowlers to their bowling arsenal and they wouldn’t mind having someone like James Anderson, who can also be picked as the second-choice option if not considered as the go-to pick for them. 

Kolkata Knight Riders have the likes of Harshit Rana and Andre Russell as the pace bowling options. They would be interested in having a swing bowler like Anderson, who can pick wickets early on in the powerplay. 

3. Lucknow SuperGiants 

Lucknow Super Giants have retained one overseas batter in Nicholas Pooran for a sum of INR 21 crore. Ahead of the auction, 51 crores have already been deducted from their total purse of 120 crores. They have 69 crores left and having James Anderson for under 2 crores could be a handy acquisition. 

He can complement the likes of Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav brilliantly in the pace bowling department. He can also be a handy backup option if LSG opt to target a prominent overseas pace-bowling option. 

At the Ekana stadium, the boundaries are bigger and it generally suits medium-fast bowlers along with spinners. Anderson not only creates impact with the new ball in the powerplay but can also sneak in an over or two in the middle overs.