Imagine this—James Anderson, England’s legendary pacer, possibly making his IPL debut at the age of 42! That’s right, the veteran bowler, who recently retired from international cricket, has never played in the IPL. Now, registered for the 2025 IPL Auction with a base price of 1.25 Cr, Anderson could be a surprising yet valuable pick for franchises, especially a team like RCB.
Why James Anderson is a Must-Have for RCB
Let’s dive into Anderson’s T20 performance. Despite playing only 19 T20 internationals, he managed 18 wickets with a superb economy rate of 7.84. These numbers, combined with his unmatched experience and adaptability, make him a strategic asset. Anderson has only grown sharper over the years, becoming a much more versatile bowler. Even though his last T20 match was back in 2014, he’s continued to dominate in longer formats and shows no signs of slowing down.
Anderson’s stamina is remarkable, and managing a four-over spell would be a breeze for him. Clocking speeds around 135 kmph until his last Test, there’s speculation he could even touch 140 kmph, with a focused, short-format role. For RCB, Anderson could not only bring a new dimension with his pace and accuracy but also bring unpredictability—a quality that would catch opponents off guard, given he hasn’t bowled with a white ball in years.
A Mentor Role and Potential Partnerships
Apart from his bowling prowess, Anderson could also be a game-changing mentor. Imagine the impact on young RCB bowlers like Yash Dayal, who would gain invaluable insights from a legend. There’s also the possibility of him forming an experienced pace partnership with someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, should he join RCB after being released from SRH. Together, they could create a lethal combination of skill, swing, and experience.
Considerations for the Mega Auction
Of course, one question looms—how long will Anderson last? With the 2025 IPL Auction setting the tone for the next three seasons, franchises may weigh the risk of his age against the value he brings. But with the element of surprise and his potential to mentor the younger bowlers, Anderson could well be worth the investment. We’ll all find out soon enough on November 24 and 25 at the auction!
