Joe Root eyes maiden IPL stint as tournament expands

The Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the world’s most celebrated T20 leagues. Not just the Indian players, but the overseas players too look forward to being a part of the IPL. Thus, the England Test captain Joe Root has also expressed his willingness on being a part of the mega tournament.

Root is all set to enter the IPL auction next year with a view to playing in the league for the very first time. He had previously entered the auction but never got selected to play for any franchise in the league. However, in the next edition, the tournament would be accommodating two more teams that would eventually open doors for another 16 slots for the overseas players.

Also, England’s schedule doesn’t clash with the tournament and that might fancy Root’s participation in the IPL. The next year’s auction is going to be a mega auction with almost all players available for selection. Thus, the probability of him getting signed increases further.

Joe Root has been keen on participating in the IPL

The England Test skipper has often opened up on his wish to play in one of the most high-profile T20 leagues. “At some point of my career, I am desperate to be a part of an IPL season,” he said earlier this year when he announced that he wouldn’t be a part of this year’s auction owing to his national commitments. “Hopefully, a few more beyond that as well. It is something I would love to experience, and love to be a part of,” Root added.

Root isn’t part of England’s T20 World cup squad and is rather gearing up for the upcoming Ashes series. However, his stint for England in international T20 cricket has been pretty decent. The batter averages 35.7 in the shortest format and one of the major reasons for him missing out from this format is because England aims to manage his workload.

He will now be leading the side in their Ashes tour Down Under this winter. There had been a lot of concerns over the participation of a few England players in the marquee series owing to Australia’s strict Covid-19 protocols. Root had however come forward to confirm his commitment to the series.