Gautam Gambhir said that Joe Root’s indifferent form has cost England a big time in World Cup 2023. The right-handed Root started his campaign with fifties against New Zealand and Bangladesh, but has faltered since then.
In six matches, Root has racked up 175 runs at an average of 29.16 and a strike-rate of 93.08. On Sunday, the veteran bagged a golden duck as England lost to India by 100 runs at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Root went for the DRS, but it was Jasprit Bumrah and India who had the last laugh. Gambhir clearly stated that England’s batting has faltered whenever Root hasn’t performed.
“If you see England’s batting lineup, apart from Joe Root, all the other guys want to play aggressive cricket. It is the form of Joe Root that has been the most damaging thing for this batting lineup because this entire batting lineup revolves around him,” Gambhir was quoted as saying on Star Sports.
“He was that anchor and glue who could bat from one end and the rest of the guys could actually play the way they wanted to. The moment Root hasn’t delivered, everyone gets exposed. Not a lot of guys have that ability to absorb the pressure of playing against the seaming and swinging balls,” he added.
Chasing 230, England started well with a partnership of 30 runs off 4.5 overs between Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow. But after Bumrah dismissed Malan and Root off consecutive balls, things went awry for the Three Lions, who were bowled out for 129 in 34.5 overs.
With their fifth defeat in six matches, England stayed at the bottom of the table with two points and a net run rate of -1.652.
Their next match is against Pat Cummins’ Australia on Saturday, November 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
