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Joe Root, with impressive personal bests of 262 in Test matches and 133 in One Day Internationals, has proven his skill as a batter. However, he awaits his IPL chance
Joe Root made his IPL debut in 2023 for the Rajasthan Royals but was only given limited opportunities to impress. (PTI/File)
England cricket star Joe Root will be absent from the upcoming IPL season, commencing in one week, after failing to secure a bid from any franchise. Despite a distinguished international career, Root has previously struggled to replicate this form in the IPL, prompting speculation regarding his future involvement in the tournament.
Root made his IPL debut in 2023 for the Rajasthan Royals but was only given limited opportunities to impress. In his three appearances, he batted just once, scoring a meagre 10 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. After opting out of the 2024 season, Root’s hopes of securing a place in the 2025 tournament were dashed when no teams showed interest during the auction.
Experts believe Root’s struggles in the IPL are due to his comparatively slow scoring rate in the fast-paced T20 format. With only four overseas players allowed in each team, competition for spots is fierce, and franchises seem to favour more explosive batters.
Despite this setback, Root’s international career continues to flourish. The former England captain boasts an impressive record across all formats, amassing over 19,831 runs, including 53 centuries and 6 double centuries. His highest scores of 262 in Tests and 133 in ODIs are a testament to his batting prowess.
Whether he can translate this success back to the IPL remains to be seen, but for now, Root will be watching from the side-lines.