James Anderson To Play In IPL 2025? Former England Pacer Aim To Make Comeback In T20s James Anderson To Play In IPL 2025? Former England Pacer Aim To Make Comeback In T20s
James Anderson To Play In IPL 2025? Former England Pacer Aim To Make Comeback In T20s

October 8, 2024

James Anderson To Play In IPL 2025? Former England Pacer Aim To Make Comeback In T20s

James Anderson’s recent retirement from international cricket marked a poignant moment, allowing fans and players alike to reflect on his immense contributions to Test cricket. The legendary English pacer, known for his exceptional skill and longevity, has left an indelible mark on the game, making his departure a bittersweet occasion filled with gratitude for his achievements.

In a surprising turn, Anderson is now contemplating a return to T20 cricket, with the possibility of participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. This revelation has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts around the globe, as Anderson, traditionally linked with red-ball formats, explores the chance to make a significant impact in white-ball cricket once more. The prospect of seeing the veteran bowler in the IPL has fans eagerly anticipating what could be an electrifying comeback.

A Fresh Look at T20 Cricket

James Anderson’s international retirement served as a moment of reflection and gratitude for his significant contributions to Test cricket. Having last participated in a T20 match in 2014, Anderson dedicated himself entirely to the longer format, excelling despite the inevitable challenges that come with aging. His remarkable longevity in the sport is a testament to his skill and resilience, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive at the highest level.

However, recent observations of T20 leagues, particularly The Hundred 2024, have reignited Anderson’s desire to return to the shorter format. Inspired by the excitement and competitiveness of these leagues, the veteran bowler is contemplating a comeback, indicating that his passion for the game remains as strong as ever. Fans are now left wondering if they might witness the seasoned pacer back on the T20 stage, showcasing his talents once again.

“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,’” Anderson revealed during his appearance on The Final Word podcast. “I don’t know if that is a viable option, to maybe see if I could do a job in white-ball cricket. Franchise cricket is something I’ve never done.”

Read More: LSG Likely To Retain KL Rahul Ahead Of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

A Record-Breaking Career with Unfinished Business

James Anderson’s career is decorated with numerous accolades and records, especially in Test cricket, where he has cemented his status as one of the game’s greats. Throughout his T20 journey, he played 44 matches, capturing 41 wickets at an economy rate of 8.47. Despite this impressive performance, Anderson’s retirement from international T20s was a strategic choice, aimed at creating opportunities for emerging talent in the England setup.

However, Anderson’s enduring passion for cricket shines through in his continued performances on the county circuit and his role as a mentor for the England Test team. His recent comments about his physical condition further emphasize his readiness to tackle new challenges, suggesting that he remains eager to contribute to the sport he loves. This commitment leaves fans wondering if a return to T20 cricket might still be on the horizon for the veteran bowler. “My body has at no stage started to feel like it’s 42. I still feel I could potentially have something to offer on that front,” Anderson noted.

Potential IPL 2025 Participation

The speculation surrounding James Anderson’s potential participation in IPL 2025 has intensified following his recent revelations and interest from various franchise teams. The IPL is a platform that celebrates both emerging and seasoned talent, and Anderson’s wealth of experience and skill set could be a valuable addition to any squad.

Franchise cricket, especially in the IPL, is characterized by its high intensity and dynamic nature. While some might question Anderson’s lack of recent white-ball cricket experience, his tactical acumen and exceptional ability to swing the new ball could prove to be formidable assets. If he does decide to make a comeback, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the veteran bowler adapts to the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket, potentially showcasing his enduring talent on one of the biggest stages in the sport.“I still feel like I was made to bowl quickly, to be a bowler, so while it’s still functioning, use it,” Anderson said, reflecting his unwavering dedication to the craft.

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KL Rahul Unlikely To Captain Lucknow Super Giants In IPL 2025 – Reports

Star Indian batter KL Rahul is set to be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, reports suggest that the 32-year-old is unlikely to continue as captain for the upcoming season.

According to a report by IANS on August 27, Rahul, who is LSG’s leading run-scorer in the IPL, wants to step down as captain to concentrate on his batting. Rahul, who joined LSG from Punjab Kings for ₹17 crore before the IPL 2022 mega auction, recently met with team owner Sanjeev Goenka in Kolkata to discuss the decision.

“The meeting was official with the CEO Sanjiv Goenka on Monday; the captaincy and retention topics were discussed. However, Rahul is unlikely to captain the side in the upcoming edition as he wants to explore himself more as a batter. Goenka has full confidence in Rahul, and he will be retained as a player but will not be seen captaining the side,” a source was quoted as saying by IANS.

According to sources, former West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran and Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya are the frontrunners to take over as captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, following KL Rahul’s decision to step down.

“We are still exploring the captaincy option, but with BCCI agreeing on player retention conditions, we have two players (Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran) in the race,” he added.

Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran both have experience leading Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. Krunal took over as captain in the 2023 season after KL Rahul was sidelined with an injury, while Pooran led the team in one match during the 2024 season.

Rahul’s record in IPL

KL Rahul made his IPL debut with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 and later played for Sunrisers Hyderabad for a couple of seasons. In the 2018 mega auction, he was signed by Punjab Kings, where he had a successful four-year stint, scoring 2548 runs in 55 matches. Rahul also captained the Punjab Kings in the 2020 and 2021 seasons before leaving to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2022 season.

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for IPLWin365 (IPL365 News), she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.