Desperate To Be Part Of An IPL Season, Says Joe Root

England captain Joe Root is one of the world’s topmost players to have never played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) even once. He had put his name in the mix for the IPL auction once a couple of years back in 2018, however, he went unsold and decided not to pursue it further.

He didn’t put his name for the upcoming IPL 2021 auction as well, as the IPL governing council had released the names of 1114 players who had registered for the same. Root and Mitchell Starc were two big names to opt-out of the upcoming edition. However, Root has expressed that he wants to be part of the IPL experience atleast once and reasoned why he pulled out of the auction now.

I’m Very Keen To Play In The IPL Once Atleast: Joe Root

Speaking at a virtual press conference ahead of the second Test against India in Chennai, Joe Root stated that he is keen to play in the IPL sometime in the near future. Root, 30, is one of the most premier batsmen in the world and will only enhance the status of the most popular T20 league in the world.

“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,” said Root.

Root further said that the decision to not put his name in the auction for the upcoming IPL season was an extremely difficult one. However, he asserted that it was the right decision to do so, given the ongoing circumstances and the amount of international cricket that was on his plate.

“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,” the 30-year-old added.

Joe Root will be in action on February 13 onwards as England takes on India in the second Test of the four-match series, again in Chennai. This time, however, the MA Chidambaram stadium will be filled with a crowd 50 percent of its capacity.

Also Read: India vs England 2021: England Name 12-Man Squad For Second Test; James Anderson Out, Stuart Broad In