Joe Root's form has been most damaging for England's batting lineup: Gautam Gambhir

Legendary India batter Gautam Gambhir expressed his disappointment over England star Joe Root's performances thus far in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Gambhir stated that England's batting has faltered whenever Root failed to perform, claiming the entire batting lineup revolves around him. The former cricketer's comment came after England's massive 100-run defeat over hosts India in Lucknow. 

“If you see England’s batting lineup, apart from Joe Root, all the other guys want to play aggressive cricket. It is the form of Joe Root that has been the most damaging thing for this batting lineup because this entire batting lineup revolves around him,” Gambhir told Star Sports.

Root should play the anchor role and the other players would then be able to play how they wanted to, according to the 42-year-old. Notably, Root was dismissed for a golden duck against India in Lucknow.

“He was that anchor and glue who could bat from one end and the rest of the guys could actually play the way they wanted to. The moment Root hasn’t delivered, everyone gets exposed. Not a lot of guys have that ability to absorb the pressure of playing against the seaming and swinging balls,” the former cricketer added.

Root made his best of the starts in the ongoing tournament, having scored half-centuries against New Zealand and Bangladesh, respectively. However, the right-hander's performance with the bat has sputtered since then. He has managed 175 runs from six games at an average of 29.16 and a strike rate of 93.08. 

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

England have had a forgettable campaign in the ODI World Cup as they are currently at the bottom of the points table with two points and a net run rate of -1.652. The Jost Buttler-led side will next take on five-time champions Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 4.