English batter Joe Root has decided to skip the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), signalling his absence ahead of the retention deadline. Root, who played for the Rajasthan Royals in the previous season, featuring in three matches and contributing 10 runs, made his IPL debut in 2023.
The director of cricket for the Rajasthan Royals, Kumar Sangakkara, confirmed Root's choice to opt out of the 2024 IPL, expressing appreciation for the positive impact Root had on the franchise and his teammates during his brief stint.
During our retention conversations, Joe informed us of his decision to not take part in IPL 2024. Even in a short span of time, Joe was able to create such a positive impact on the franchise and the players around him. His energy around the group and the experience he brought to the Royals will be missed. We respect his decision totally and wish him success in everything he does," said Sangakkara.
Root, a prominent figure in international cricket for the past decade, played a crucial role in England's triumph in the 2019 ODI World Cup, where they defeated New Zealand in the final. Known for his significant contributions to the England Test team, Root has been central to the team's 'Bazball' approach, showcasing growth as a player and becoming the backbone of England's batting lineup.
In Test cricket, Root has accumulated an impressive record, amassing 11,416 runs in 135 matches at an average of 50.29. His remarkable achievements include 30 centuries, 60 half-centuries, and five double hundreds. In ODIs, Root has scored 6,522 runs in 171 matches, maintaining an average of 47.61 with a strike rate of 86.77. His ODI performances include 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
Even in the shortest format, Root has made an impact, scoring 893 runs in 32 matches with an average of 35.72 and a striking rate of 126.31. As Root opts out of the IPL, the cricketing community will keenly observe his future performances, particularly in the upcoming international fixtures.
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