Joe Root will enter the upcoming IPL auction on December 23 in a bid to break into the competition for the first time in his career. A combination of international commitments and a five-year tenure as England Test captain have restricted Root’s opportunities. Both on the T20 franchise circuit and in the format altogether. His only exposure to domestic tournaments outside of the T20 Blast. The Hundred came in 2018-19 with a stint at Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Root’s previous foray into the IPL auction came in 2018 when he went unsold. ESPNcricinfo understands that he appreciates the same might happen this time around. Still, he has no expectations on salary or destination and would simply like to experience the world’s premier T20 competition. He has not played a T20I since making 47 from 42 balls against Pakistan in May 2019, on the eve of the 50-over World Cup.

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Joe Root hasn’t played a T20I for 3 years, keen to be involved in the IPL next season

Root’s primary attraction to franchises would be his ability against spin. Particularly with the IPL reverting to a home-and-away format in 2023. He also provides a bowling option with his offbreaks, and has often bowled in the powerplay during his sporadic T20 appearances. One aspect that could work in his favour is the IPL’s growing links with English cricket.

Lucknow Super Giants head coach Andy Flower worked with Root consistently during a 12-year spell with the ECB and is currently his Trent Rockets coach, England’s coach from 2015-19, has recently taken over at Punjab Kings. That the current Test coach has strong ties with Kolkata Knight Riders, where is now assistant coach, won’t hurt Root’s chances of being talked up by the franchise’s management. Vikram Solanki, team director at defending champions Gujarat Titans, will be another prominent English presence at the upcoming auction.