In an unexpected twist, former England Test star James Anderson has registered for the 2025 IPL mega auction, marking a potential return to T20 cricket at the age of 42. Known as a Test cricket legend with a 22-year international career, Anderson has shown he’s not ready to hang up his boots just yet. Rather than moving into a coaching or mentoring role post-retirement, he’s looking to bring his skills to the franchise cricket scene, with a base price of ₹1.25 crore.
Anderson in the IPL for the First Time?
This isn’t Anderson’s first attempt to break into the IPL. He previously registered for the auction back in 2012 but went unsold, partly due to his focus on red-ball cricket. This time, however, Anderson is serious about giving T20 franchise cricket a go. He’s keen to apply his mastery of swing bowling to the shorter format and believes he can still make an impact. His recent comment hints at his readiness: “I watch The Hundred and see the ball swinging around in the first 20 balls, and I think, ‘I can do that; I can still do that.’ Franchise cricket is something I’ve never done, and I’d like to give it a shot.”
Will Anderson’s Skills Match Up in T20 Cricket?
Anderson’s prowess as a new-ball bowler is undeniable, but T20 cricket demands a range of skills. The last time he played a T20 match was in 2014, with his T20 International career ending even earlier in 2009. While his swing bowling is still sharp, he’ll be up against explosive batsmen on flatter tracks, which could test his ability to adapt. His T20 stats show 41 wickets in 44 matches with an economy of 8.47, but the modern game has evolved considerably, with batters becoming more aggressive and versatile.
James Anderson’s T20 Career at a Glance:
- Matches: 44
- Wickets: 41
- Best Bowling: 3/23
- Average: 32.14
- Economy Rate: 8.47
- Strike Rate: 22.7
Better Late Than Never
Anderson’s move to enter the IPL at this stage is a bold one. After hinting at exploring franchise cricket following his retirement, he chose IPL as his starting point rather than a smaller league. His ambition underscores his passion for the game and his belief that he can still make an impact, despite his age and limited T20 experience in recent years.
As the IPL auction approaches, it remains to be seen how teams will respond to his entry. Will his reputation as one of cricket’s greatest swing bowlers make him a valuable asset, or will franchises be cautious due to his lack of recent experience in the shortest format? Anderson’s foray into IPL could be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 season, with fans and analysts alike keen to see if the red-ball legend can adapt to the demands of T20 cricket.