India vs England 2021: Joe Root ‘desperate’ to be part of IPL, hails decision of pulling out of auction as ‘very difficult’
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One of the most accomplished batsmen of this generation, Joe Root, is yet to be part of the renowned Indian Premier League (IPL). The Englishman has been under the hammer on numerous occasions. But is yet to be bought by any of the franchises. The reason behind it might be Root’s average which is a fraction below 36 and his strike rate of only 126.
The Englishman is renowned for his marvellous technique. But power-hitting is not his forte which might be the reason he is yet to be picked in the auction. Root shares that he is desperate to be part of the cash-rich league. And experience the thrill of it. He went on to explain why he pulled out of the mini-auction for this edition of the IPL.
“At some point of 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 in a virtual press conference.
“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,” he added.
Joe Root excited to play in front of fans
The second Test in Chennai will see fans returning to the stadium for the first time in India since the pandemic. The stadium will be filled 50% for the game. And Root is excited to play infront of the fans again. The English captain shares that the return of spectators will have a ‘massive impact’ on the players.
Root said, “I think it will massively (impact). Having an atmosphere within the stadium is a massive part of international cricket what makes it special in many ways is that the interaction between fans and players. Obviously, when you come to India we all how passionate Indians are about cricket and it is a big part of life in many ways here. We are very much excited about that and we are looking forward for that.“
The second Test of the series starts tomorrow (February 13). And much will depend on how Root and Kohli go about the business. The game is crucial given that the World Test Championship final is on the line.
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Anshuman Mahapatra
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