IPL 2023 Auction: Joe Root set to put forward his name in a bid to end T20 absence

Plans and preparations are already being made for the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction, set to be held in Kochi on December 23. Since the mega-auction took place earlier this year, it would be a small-scale auction this time, with the ten franchises having decided on their released and retained players. Despite this being a mini-auction, a few big-name players are entering the auction in the marquee division. Interestingly, the newest high-profile player to enter his name is the former English Test skipper Joe Root, who has never played in the tournament. Also, he last played a Twenty20 International (T20I) for England in 2019.

Notably, it would not be the first time that Root would be entering the IPL Auction. During the 2018 IPL Auction, Root had entered the fray, only to find no buyers for him. Meanwhile, according to ESPNCricinfo, he is unlikely to remain unsold this time, too, despite having no salary expectations. He looks to be a part of the most fascinating Twenty20 (T20) domestic competition globally.

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In his last T20I match, he scored a 42-ball 47 against Pakistan. At the same time, the franchises might consider his ability to play against the spin as an element for going for him during the auction, besides his abilities to bowl impactful off-spins, which might come in handy on the Indian wickets.

However, IPL's link with English cricketers of late could work in Root's favour, as Andy Flower, who worked with Root for 12 years during his spell with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), might want him at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Also, Trevor Bayliss, who coached England between 2015-19, is now in charge of Punjab Kings (PBKS), while current English Test head coach Brendon McCullum has a strong bond with former two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

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Articulating to Mail on Sunday, Root spoke on entering the mini-auction and said, "I have no thoughts or feelings of retirement or slowing down or playing fewer formats. If anything, I feel a little bit more freedom with my time. I always used to get rested for the T20s, and I feel alienated from the format because I had not played enough of it."

"You can feel like you are getting left behind a little bit. The next couple of years might be a good time to explore playing more of that format and see how far I can take that side of my game. That is especially valid because of how we are trying to play now as a Test team. Looking at the game through a T20 lens, will that benefit my Test cricket?" concluded Root.