IPL 2023: 5 Teams that might pick Joe Root in auction

With the forthcoming IPL auction around the corner, franchises have begun ideating and prepping for the next season to bolster their squad. Former England Test captain Joe Root has officially submitted his name for the upcoming mini-auction which could make franchises keep tabs on the player to secure his services. Root was last involved in the 2018 auction, however, the batter could not attract offers and went unsold. His only exposure to domestic tournaments has been in the T20 Blast, the Hundred, and for the Sydney Thunder back in 2018-19. Furthermore, Root last played a T20I in 2019 and was not part of the previous two T20 World Cup squads (2021 and 2022). In the 2016 T20 World Cup, he played a vital role for the Three Lions scoring 249 runs at an average of 49.8 and striking at 146.47 which helped his side reach the summit clash. However, since then he hasn’t got too many opportunities in T20I after taking over the leadership in the red ball format. Now, with the burden of being the test captain for the national side off his shoulder, Root will hope that he gets picked by a franchise in the forthcoming auction and displays his qualities in the shortest format. Here is a list of five teams that may target Joe Root in the mini-auction 1. Lucknow Super Giants The newly joined franchise led by KL Rahul relished a terrific season for a start with sensational performances coming from certain players. Speaking about their batting, their top-order batters, consisting of Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Deepak Hooda scored the majority runs for the side. However, it was the side’s middle order that was the major weak link in the batting line-up as they were heavily reliant on the top order to hit the ground running. Undoubtedly, that does not get a side ahead in the competition to compete for the title. Joe Root’s addition to the side can hand a major boost considering that they need a strong middle-order batter. Furthermore, after releasing Manish Pandey and Evin Lewis ahead of the mini-auction, LSG will certainly look to bolster their middle order and may keep tabs on the Englishman. 2. Kolkata Knight Riders Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released the likes of Pat Cummins, Sam Billings, Aaron Finch, and Alex Hales among the list of players ahead of the auction. KKR could do with an overseas opener and here is where Joe Root could come into the picture. The batter can hand the side a solid start and keep the scoreboard ticking that would hand the middle-order batters such as Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, and Andre Russell to take over the aggressive hitting. Now, Root may not necessarily start for the side as KKR have traded in the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz who could be their designated opener. The Afghanistan opener has displayed impressive innings in the T20 World Cup 2022 which could essentially mean that Root may appear in the middle order. That said, KKR have a remaining purse of ₹7.05 crore therefore the franchise will need to spend it rather wisely and not go overboard for just one overseas signing such as Root. 3. Gujarat Titans The reigning champions of the top-tier league projected dominance in various aspects of the game. One among them was their class batting line-up which guided their side to victory on numerous occasions. Currently, the side has a stable top order and lower order, however, the middle order cannot be relied upon in the crunch moments of the game due to the inconsistency. Root’s inclusion in the squad can help solve this flaw in the line-up. Hardik Pandya could use his services in the no. 3 spot to lay the foundation along with the openers. While they have three overseas slots to fill in and a remaining purse of ₹19.25 crore, securing the services of the Englishman may not be a big deal for the side. 4. Punjab Kings Punjab Kings played out a rather interesting move as they released former skipper Mayank Agarwal ahead of the forthcoming auction. The India right-hander was unable to produce the scores for his side coming in the middle order thereby the franchise deciding to part ways with Agarwal. This has left a void in the batting line-up for which the Kings will certainly think of suitable replacements for the new season. Joe Root could join in at no. 3 here as well and can hand the side a solid start coupled with some explosive hitting at regular intervals. While the possibilities may not be too high, but with ₹32.2 crores remaining in their purse ahead of the auction, the franchise could ponder over a solid back-up player or even a no. 3 batter and Root may fit the framework at Punjab. 5. Sunrisers Hyderabad The most obvious side that may have Root under their radar are the Orange Army franchise. After having released a terrific leader in Kane Williamson ahead of the auction, Hyderabad will be on the lookout for a skipper for the new season. Certainly, Joe Root can lead a side and boasts a plethora of experience with his leadership skills with the national side. Like former skipper Kane, Root too is a calm and composed character on the field and can make vital decisions with a clear mind. With ₹42.25 crores in their purse, SRH could be the most likely side that would go after the player in the auction next month. SRH do not have reliable candidates for the leadership role and securing the services of Root will not be a bad idea.

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IPL 2023: 5 Teams that might pick Joe Root in auction

Joe Root recently expressed his desire to play in the IPL 2023.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad

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