England Cricketer Joe Root, who made his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals earlier this year, has decided to withdraw from the IPL 2024, just a day before the retention deadline. The Royals acknowledged Root’s choice in a statement on their official website, expressing their respect for his decision.

Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket for the Royals, commented on Root’s decision during retention discussions, praising the positive impact Root had on the franchise and the players in a short period. Sangakkara acknowledged Root’s energy and experience, emphasizing that he would be missed. The Royals fully respect Root’s decision and extend their best wishes for his future endeavors.

England’s Managing Director of Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, had previously mentioned that Root “needs a break” after the World Cup. Key highlighted Root’s continuous involvement in various cricket events and expressed understanding for the decision.

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Root, acquired by the Royals for his base price in the IPL 2023 auction, played three games for the team, showcasing adaptability to the T20 format. Despite limited opportunities, Root embraced a learning approach, describing himself as a “sponge” to absorb different information. His addition brought depth and experience to the squad, benefiting young players like Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The franchise highlighted Root’s camaraderie with teammates Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal as memorable highlights. Root’s departure marks the second England player, after Ben Stokes, to opt out of the IPL 2024. The franchise has already been active in the trade window, securing the services of India fast bowler Avesh Khan and releasing Devdutt Padikkal to Lucknow Super Giants. The deadline for franchise releases and retentions is November 26, leading up to the auction on December 19.