South African all-rounder Marco Jansen has emerged as a prime candidate to fill the void left by Mitchell Starc at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
Jansen’s recent performances against India have significantly bolstered his IPL 2025 auction prospects, positioning him as a valuable asset for franchises seeking a dynamic left-arm pacer with substantial batting prowess.
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In the third T20I against India on November 13, 2024, Jansen delivered an impressive bowling spell, recording figures of 4-0-28-1 in a high-scoring encounter. His disciplined bowling was complemented by a remarkable batting display, where he scored a rapid 54 runs off just 17 balls, showing his ability to contribute significantly with the bat.
Despite South Africa’s loss, Jansen’s all-round performance highlighted his potential as a game-changer in the shortest format.
Jansen was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad in the previous IPL season but was released ahead of the upcoming mega auction. His release is now attracting interest from multiple franchises looking to strengthen their squads with a versatile player who can influence matches with both bat and ball.
KKR Searching for Mitchell Starc’s Replacement
KKR had acquired Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for a record ₹24.75 crore in the last season but decided to release him ahead of the 2025 auction.
Starc’s departure has left a significant gap in KKR’s bowling lineup, particularly in the left-arm pace department.
Jansen, being a left-arm pacer, presents a like-for-like replacement with the added advantage of his batting capabilities.
Jansen as an Upgrade Over Starc
At 24 years old, Jansen offers a youthful alternative to the 34-year-old Starc. His recent performances indicate a player reaching his prime, with the potential for further development.
While Starc is renowned for his bowling, Jansen’s ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order provides a dual advantage, making him a more comprehensive option for teams seeking depth in both departments.
KKR will face stiff competition from other teams in IPL 2025 Auction
KKR’s interest in Jansen is evident, given their need to fill the void left by Starc and their strategy to build a balanced squad. However, the franchise may face stiff competition during the auction.
Teams like Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Gujarat Titans (GT) have significantly higher remaining purse amounts compared to KKR, positioning them to outbid KKR if they choose to pursue Jansen.
As per the latest reports, the remaining purse for each franchise heading into the IPL 2025 mega auction is as follows:
– Punjab Kings (PBKS): ₹110.5 crore
– Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): ₹83 crore
– Delhi Capitals (DC): ₹73 crore
– Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): ₹69 crore
– Gujarat Titans (GT): ₹69 crore
– Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): ₹51 crore
These figures indicate that KKR will need to strategize effectively to secure Jansen’s services, considering the financial muscle of competing franchises.
Jansen made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians in 2021 before moving to SRH. His journey in the league has been marked by glimpses of his potential, but his recent international performances suggest he is ready to make a significant impact.
His ability to bowl at pace, generate bounce, and contribute quick runs makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
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Strategic Fit for KKR
For KKR, acquiring Jansen would not only address the need for a left-arm pacer but also add depth to their batting lineup. His inclusion could provide balance to the team, allowing for more flexibility in team composition and strategy.
Moreover, his age aligns with KKR’s potential long-term planning, offering a player who can serve the franchise for multiple seasons.
Although KKR’s interest is logical given their current squad requirements, the franchise will need to navigate the auction dynamics carefully, considering the competition from other teams with larger purses.
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