IPL 2024

‘Wo aa gaya’ – Fans react as Joe Root makes his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Jaipur

May 7, 2023 8:04 pm

Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root are the four most decorated cricketers of this generation. All four have amassed runs in all formats, delivered memorable match-winning knocks, and led their teams to various victories. It’s every cricket fan’s dream to see them together as new rivalry blossoms between them in the Indian Premier League.

Virat Kohli has been a part of the IPL since its inception in 2008. Kane Williamson was the second to join, following Steve Smith. However, in the 52nd match of the ongoing tournament, Joe Root finally made his IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals. Root has played 32 T20I matches for England in which he has scored 893 runs at an average of 35.72. He has the highest individual score of 93 in the format.

However, speaking about his debut, Root recalled his journey and experience with the franchise in the ongoing tournament. He said, “I’m very passionate about playing for England clearly. It was a dream to just play one Test match, let alone so many. Looking forward to what’s to come later on in the year. But got my hands full now and I’m enjoying what’s happening here right now. The last few weeks for me have been really good to just be around T20 cricket.”

We need to play on our abilities: says Joe Root

He further spoke about his journey in the tournament. He also spoke about his time with the franchise. He said, “Been a long time since I’ve had a block of time to concentrate only on T20. To get the opportunity to be here, learn from the coaches and see some young guys come through has been beneficial for me as a player. I’m in this format just to try and look at the game slightly differently, and that’s always what you want to do when you’re new somewhere – just be a sponge and soak as much as possible.”

“I may not be playing but I feel like I have had a huge amount of learning in the last few weeks. If I get an opportunity, I’ll try to do my best for the side. I think we (RR) need to play to our abilities, there is so much experience and exciting talent within the group, and it is just about putting on a show and expressing ourselves. Hopefully, we can play with confidence and freedom, and entertain the crowds”, he further adds.

Here is how fans react to Joe Root’s debut:

Excited he will play better sr than kohli

— FitCricPol (@cric_fit) May 7, 2023

Better late than never! RR need some stability in the middle.

— Pooh (@ThodaYehThodaWo) May 7, 2023

Srh winning will be delightful for bottom 6 franchises.other than GT all teams have shot at the qualifiers.

— bharath reddy (@bharathreddy37) May 7, 2023