NEW DELHI: At 42, James Anderson, England’s most prolific Test wicket-taker, has taken the cricketing world by surprise.
Despite retiring from Test cricket earlier this year and having minimal recent T20 experience, Anderson has listed himself for the upcoming IPL mega auction.
This unexpected decision, he explained, is driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of the game and further his coaching aspirations.
Anderson’s decision to enter the IPL auction, with a base price of Rs 1.25 crore, marks a significant departure from his illustrious Test career.
Having concluded his international journey with an astounding 704 wickets in 188 matches, placing him third on the all-time list, Anderson believes he still has something to offer as a player.
“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 told BBC Radio 4 Today in a podcast.
Having dabbled in coaching and mentoring roles with the England team following his Test retirement, he believes exposure to the IPL’s high-pressure environment and diverse cricketing cultures will be invaluable for his future aspirations.
“I have done a little bit of coaching since I have finished in the summer. I have been around the England team doing a bit of mentoring or whatever you like to call it,” the veteran bowler said.
“I just think opening my eyes to something like that and experiencing it, sort of might help me grow my knowledge of the game and help further down the line,” he further added.
While Anderson’s last T20 appearance for England dates back to 2009, and his most recent outing in the format was for Lancashire in 2014, his decision to enter the IPL auction reflects a calculated move.
Whether or not he is picked by an IPL franchise, Anderson’s decision to throw his hat in the ring certainly showcases his enduring passion for cricket and his forward-thinking approach to the game.
