I am desperate to be a part of an IPL season: Joe Root

Joe Root has been in the news for the past month or so. He has scored some really big hundreds and helped his team win matches away from home. However, it came as a shock to many people when Root opted out of the Indian Premier League Auction of 2021. With a lot of hype around him currently, he could have easily made it into one of the IPL teams. 

In a recent interaction, Root expressed his eagerness to play in the IPL. The England Test captain also explained the reason why he didn’t put his name in the auction this time. Root has never participated in the IPL so far. He had entered the auction ahead of the 2018 season but wasn’t picked by any of the teams. 

During the interaction, Root explained that he would love to experience playing in the cash-rich league and that he is very desperate to be its part. Recently, England announced their squad for the T20I series against India and Root’s name wasn’t there, which has been the case for a couple of years now. 

Hopefully, next year, there’s more of an opportunity to potentially be part of the IPL: Joe Root

“At some point in my career, I am desperate to be a part of an IPL season. Hopefully, a few more beyond that as well. It is something I would love to experience, and love to be a part of,” Root said during the virtual press conference ahead of the second Test against India.

Root further explained that with the amount of international cricket to be played this year, he decided not to take part in the auction coming up in February for the IPL 2021 season.

He also hinted that he might enter the auction next year. England had to play 17 Test matches this year. Before coming to India, England played two Tests in Sri Lanka, followed by four in the ongoing series in India. During the English summer, the team will play seven more Tests, two against New Zealand and five against India. And there will be another five (four in 2021 and one in 2022) matches in winter when England travel to Australia for the Ashes. 

“With the amount of international cricket and Test cricket, in particular, this year didn’t feel like it was the right time (to enter the IPL auction). I didn’t feel like I could throw in all my energy into it, which it deserves. And, I don’t think it would set me up and set English cricket up best with what’s to come. Very difficult decision. Hopefully, next year, there’s more of an opportunity to potentially be part of the IPL or at least be in the auction,” Root added.