With the retention process now complete, all franchises are gearing up to refine their strategies for the IPL 2025 mega auction, set for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Mumbai Indians (MI), alongside Chennai Super Kings (CSK), stands as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, having won five titles.
However, MI will face heightened scrutiny following a disappointing 2024 season under Hardik Pandya. The team has struggled in recent years, finishing at the bottom in both 2022 and 2024. In an effort to turn things around, MI has brought back former coach Mahela Jayawardene for the 2025 season.
Mumbai Indians have retained six players: Jasprit Bumrah (₹18 crore), Suryakumar Yadav (₹16.35 crore), Hardik Pandya (₹16.35 crore), Rohit Sharma (₹16.30 crore), and Tilak Varma (₹8 crore). With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, the franchise will be looking to find an ideal partner for Bumrah in their bowling attack.
Since Trent Boult’s departure, Bumrah has lacked consistent support from the other end. A potential solution to this issue could be South African pacer Marco Jansen.
Here are the three reasons why MI should pursue Marco Jansen in the IPL 2025 auction:
#3 He is familiar with the MI setup, having debuted with them in 2021
The Proteas seamer got a glimpse of IPL action with Mumbai Indians in 2021, when he was picked up for his base price of INR 20 lakh. He played two matches, taking two wickets, before moving to SunRisers Hyderabad ahead of the 2022 season.
At 24, Jansen is already familiar with MI’s setup, having joined under Mahela Jayawardene’s coaching. If MI bring him back, his 6’8″ height offers a clear advantage in generating bounce, making him a tough bowler for any batter.
His ability to produce both bounce and swing, particularly in fast-bowler friendly conditions, would make him a strong addition to MI’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah.
#2 Marco Jansen can add value with the bat in the lower middle order
One of Marco Jansen’s standout qualities is his ability to contribute with the bat. In IPL 2024, MI had players like Romario Shepherd and Mohammad Nabi, but both often underperformed, leaving the team struggling to find their ideal playing XI.
Jansen’s power hitting in the lower order could be vital in helping MI finish innings strong, an area where the team has faced challenges in recent seasons. His inclusion would add flexibility to the batting lineup, with the assurance that he can score crucial runs in the final overs.
The 24-year-old has an impressive batting record in the SA20, with 282 runs from 22 matches over two seasons, averaging 35.25 and including two fifties, with a top score of 71 not out. Jansen is full of potential and could become a match-winner for Mumbai Indians.
#1 Strong T20 record, making him a promising long-term investment
At 24, Marco Jansen has gained significant experience, having played in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is for South Africa. By adding him to their roster, MI would not only strengthen their IPL 2025 squad but also secure a player with long-term potential.
With 21 IPL matches and 20 wickets, the left-arm pacer has proven his worth in the tournament. He was also part of the South African team that reached the 2024 T20 World Cup final and has taken 14 wickets in 14 T20I appearances.
Jansen had a standout 2023-24 SA20 season, taking 20 wickets in 10 matches, including a five-wicket haul and a four-wicket spell. As a left-arm fast bowler and all-rounder, he brings a unique skill set that could make him a key player for MI in future IPL seasons.
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