Joe Root remains open to an England T20 comeback but acknowledges the evolving demands of the format

Joe Root has not ruled out a return to England’s T20 squad, six years after his last appearance, but admits the format has changed significantly in his absence. As he prepares for England’s upcoming ODI series against India, the 34-year-old is considering how his game must evolve to fit the fast-paced demands of modern T20 cricket.

Root last played a T20I in May 2019, losing his No. 3 spot to Dawid Malan and later to captain Jos Buttler. Despite England’s recent struggles against spin in their 4-1 T20I series defeat to India, Root recognises that the team now prioritises high strike rates and aggressive batting—a shift that could require him to adapt.

“I haven’t given up,” Root said when asked about his T20 ambitions. “But I understand that the game has moved on, and England’s T20 team plays in a way that requires a different kind of player in my position. The exciting thing for me is figuring out how I can evolve and be the best version of myself in this format.”

Although international T20 cricket has not been his focus in recent years, Root impressed in the SA20 league last month, scoring three half-centuries for Paarl Royals at a strike rate of 140—an improvement on his career average of 129. His limited exposure to franchise cricket stands in stark contrast to the likes of David Miller, a year older than Root but with over 500 T20 matches under his belt, compared to Root’s 100.

Root had a brief stint in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals in 2023 but chose not to enter this year’s auction, prioritising family time over another stint in the high-profile league. “I don’t want to miss my kids growing up,” he explained. “As great as the IPL experience was, I didn’t think it was worth it. If that means stepping away for a few years, I’m fine with that.”

As England continues to shape its T20 setup ahead of future tournaments, Root’s performances in franchise cricket could determine whether he earns a recall. For now, he remains focused on his role in the ODI squad, while keeping an eye on a potential return to the shortest format.