IPL 2023: He’s definitely a match-winner – Joe Root looking forward to playing with Ravichandran Ashwin

England’s veteran batter Joe Root is looking forward to playing alongside Ravichandran Ashwin in the forthcoming IPL. Root heaped praise on Ashwin, stating that the Indian experienced spinner is definitely a match-winner. Ashwin had scalped 12 wickets in 17 matches in the previous season for Rajasthan Royals and had played a key role in taking the franchise to the final of the tournament.

Furthermore, Ashwin had conceded his runs at an economy rate of 7.50. Joe Root, on the other hand, will make his debut in the IPL and he could play a key role in the success of the team in the middle order.

Root also has all the experience under his belt and he has scored 893 runs in 32 T20I matches for Three Lions at an average of 35.72.

Speaking to PTI, Joe Root said, “Ravichandran Ashwin is another name I’m really excited about. He’s definitely a match-winner, and it’s great to get the opportunity to work with these guys up close, watch them go about things, learn from them, and hopefully spend some treasured memories with them as well.”

Former England skipper believes Riyan Parag also played some crucial knocks in the previous season for RR. Root added he is looking forward to learning from his teammates in IPL 2023.

“He [Riyan Parag] played some important innings last year at a very young age, but I think he is quite mature as a player. I’m looking forward to watching and learning from these guys and seeing how they go about practice and how they think about the game.”

Root also showered praise on the team’s captain Sanju Samson, who led RR to the finals in the previous season. England’s veteran added Samson is growing as a leader as well as a batter with every season.

“Last year was an exceptional year for the franchise and I’ve always enjoyed watching Sanju [Samson] play. I think he’s a hell of a talent and seems to keep growing every year as a player and as a leader.

“I’ve heard a lot of things. And I’m really looking forward to living it now. It’s gonna be a very special year with the fact that the Royals are coming back to Jaipur and connecting with the fans and the city again. We’re looking forward to embracing that atmosphere and being a part of it.”

Rajasthan Royals will kick off their IPL 2023 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on 2nd April.