Rajasthan Royals’ batting maestro, Joe Root, has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, as confirmed by the franchise on Saturday. This surprising move comes after Root’s successful stint with the Royals in the previous season, where he made his IPL debut.
Root’s IPL Journey and Decision to Opt Out
Joe Root, one of England’s most decorated international cricketers, entered the IPL arena last season after being picked up by the Rajasthan Royals at the 2023 mini-auction. Despite playing just three matches in the 2023 edition, Root made an impact with his valuable contributions. However, for the upcoming IPL 2024, Root has chosen not to participate, a decision that the franchise respects.
Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals, expressed his understanding of Root’s decision. “During our retention conversations, Joe informed us of his decision to not take part in IPL 2024. Even in a short span of time, Joe was able to create such a positive impact on the franchise and the players around him. His energy around the group and the experience he brought to the Royals will be missed. We respect his decision totally and wish him success in everything he does.”
Root’s Impact on Royals Squad
Root’s addition to the Royals squad last season significantly enhanced the team’s depth and experience. His presence served as a learning opportunity for young talents like Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Noteworthy was Root’s camaraderie with fellow England teammate Jos Buttler and his bonding moments with Yuzvendra Chahal, making his stint with the Royals memorable.
Despite Root’s contributions, Rajasthan Royals finished at number five last season, securing seven wins and accumulating 14 points in 14 matches. The franchise will undoubtedly miss Root’s presence and batting prowess in the upcoming edition.
Joe Root brings a wealth of T20 experience to the table, with 2,235 runs in 97 matches at an average exceeding 31. In 87 innings, he has notched up 14 fifties, showcasing his consistency and ability to anchor the innings in the shortest format.
