Five likely IPL teams that could bid for James Anderson

Former England pacer James Anderson might have retired from Test cricket but his desire to play cricket hasn’t diminished. James Anderson played his final Test match for England against West Indies at Lord’s and ended his career with 704 wickets. The Lancashire pacer stated on Monday that he wanted to play franchise cricket. 

James Anderon was a guest on the Final Word Podcast where he said “I feel there is something there, that I still want to play a little bit more - I just don't know what that is yet. I'm pretty open to anything at the minute. Things will become clearer as the rest of the year progresses. There are two Test tours in the winter and I'm not sure I'll be on them in this coaching role”

The former England pacer also said “There's plenty of things to think about and I just need to sit down and chat to people about it. 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.' 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."

Here are the top 5 likely sides that could target James Anderson if he makes himself available for IPL 2025 auctions

5- Gujarat Titans 

The IPL 2022 winners for the first time finished outside the playoff places during the IPL 2024 tournament. Hardik Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians saw the captaincy being given to Shubman Gill. The loss of Mohammed Shami for the entire season didn’t help matters for the Titans. The addition of James Anderson could play a massive role for Gujarat Titans during the IPL 2025 season. 

4- Punjab Kings 

If James Anderson makes himself available for IPL 2025 auctions, he could be the best for Punjab Kings. The conditions in Punjab will help James Anderson with the amount of swing that the conditions prevail. The addition of James Anderson will not only lend the much-needed experience but also help the likes of Arshdeep Singh and other youngsters become better bowlers. 

3- Rajasthan Royals 

Jaipur has been one of the rare surfaces in the Indian Premier League where the seam bowlers get value for money. Many Rajasthan Royals will love to have James Anderson in the team along with Trent Boult with the new ball. Rahul Dravid who is the favourite to take over the coaching duties will love to have the former England legend in the squad. 

2- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Pat Cummins and James Anderson have shared the field as opponents on the field. Kavya Maran could look to bring the English legend to Sunrisers Hyderabad to add more spine to the side. The sight of James Anderson could make SRH a stronger unit and go one step further and win the title.

1- Royal Challengers Bengaluru 

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is considered the graveyard for bowlers in the IPL. If there is one man who could change the fortunes it is none other than James Anderson. What will make it more interesting is the fact that for the first time, Virat Kohli could share the dressing room with James Anderson after their previous clashes on the field.