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With T20 cricket evolving over the years, many have questioned whether there is a need for anchors in the fast-paced format. Batters like Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and others have been criticised for their strike rate. Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Joe Root has weighed in on the issue. Root feels that there is not a place for just anchors but for batters who can play according to situation of the game.
“I think there is a space for situational players who read the game very well. I wouldn't say there is a place for just anchors. You look at the guys who are consistent and perform well, all of them have the ability to go up and down the gears. They can read what's in front of them, understand the surface and the opposition, what's a good score, how to chase down a certain target,” Root was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Root gave his teammate Jos Buttler’s example. Buttler has been in fine form this form. England’s limited-overs captain has not attacked from ball one but accelerated when the situation demanded for it.
“You look at the way Jos (Buttler) is playing. He can get 25-30 runs in an over. But he also has the ability to soak up pressure, to pick and choose when he is going to apply that pressure back on. That's just the beauty of batting. Regardless of the format, the guys who are on top are the ones who read the game the best and have the skill level to execute. I try not to pigeonhole players as power-hitters or anchors,” the 32-year-old explained.
The former England skipper was picked by Royals for his base price of Rs 1 crore in the auction. Root is yet to make his IPL debut as Royals’ overseas batters Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer have done their job well.
Root is just waiting to get an opportunity for Royals as he said, “Over the last few years, T20 is the one format that I have not had many opportunities to play in. Over the last year or so, since giving up the Test captaincy, it's felt like there have been more opportunities and more time, mentally more than physically, to play some T20 cricket. When I found out I was coming to the IPL, I was very grateful for the opportunity.”
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