Joe Root eyes T20I comeback after SA20 success

Joe Root is all set to make a comeback to the 50-over format as he has been named in England's squad for three-match series against India. The legendary batter recently spoke about his dream of playing all formats for his nation once again. Notably, Root has not played an ODI since the 2023 50-over World Cup while his last T20I dates back to 2019.

Root is with the Paarl Royals in SA20 2025 and the right-hander has had an impressive debut season so far, amassing 279 runs at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate of 140.20 in eight matches. He will now link up with England ahead of the ODI series against India. Root said he is eager to play more T20 competitions as he has his sight set on a comeback to England's T20I setup.

Just going to try and play the best cricket I can: Joe Root

"I think you are always a better player when you are not in the team. I am just going to try and play the best cricket I can. You look at that squad (England T20Is), it's full of talented players. They can take the game away from the best bowlers in the world," Root told SA20.

"I want to play as much for England as I can, in all formats. But, you know, at the same time, I have got to play more T20 cricket to prove myself and see where that takes me," he added.

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Root put in a sensational performance with the bat in Test cricket last year as he finished as the leading run-getter in the longest format, scoring 1556 runs at an average of 55.57 in 17 Tests. The Sheffield-born will want to get some runs under his belt in the ODI series against India, with the 2025 Champions Trophy being on the horizon.