Star England batter Joe Root has opted out of IPL 2024 ahead of the squad retention deadline on Sunday, November 26, informed Rajasthan Royals (RR). Root made his IPL debut in the 2023 season after he was bought by RR at the 2023 mini-auction for INR 1 crore. The 28-year-old only played three matches for his side and batted just once scoring ten runs off 15 balls.

Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket lauded Root for creating a positive impact on the franchise and his teammates in such a short span of time. He further said that his energy and experience will be big miss for the team.

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“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.

Notably, Root had the company of his England white-ball captain Jos Buttler in the squad and also created a great bonding with wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal during his time in the franchise.