Joe Root has officially ruled himself out of contention for England’s ODI captaincy, reaffirming that his leadership days are behind him. With Jos Buttler stepping down following England’s disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the search is on for a new white-ball captain to lead the team into the next phase. While some speculated that Root, given his vast experience, could be a contender for the role, the 34-year-old made it clear that he has no interest in taking up the responsibility again.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Root stated, “I don’t think so. I think that ship’s sailed. I think I’ve done my time as a captain in England, but I’m sure whoever gets the opportunity to do it will be extremely proud and do a brilliant job.” Root previously captained England’s Test side from 2017 to 2022 before stepping down, with Ben Stokes taking over the role. Despite his reluctance to lead, Root remains an integral part of England’s squad across formats and continues to be one of the most consistent performers in international cricket.
England’s ODI Struggles and the Need for a New Leader
England’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended in disappointment as they failed to qualify for the semifinals, marking another underwhelming performance in an ICC tournament. Since their triumph in the 2019 ODI World Cup, England’s white-ball dominance has faded, with inconsistent performances in major tournaments. Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles, Root admitted that England failed to play to their potential but expressed confidence in their ability to rebuild and return to the top.
“We didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of, but there’s so much talent and so much more to come from that team. I think it’s a really good opportunity to move forward again as a group and get back to the heights that we know we’re capable of, like in that 2015 to 2019 phase,” he added.
The challenge now for England is finding the right leader to guide the team through this transition. With Buttler stepping down, potential candidates for the ODI captaincy include Ben Stokes, who previously led England to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and Harry Brook, a rising star in England’s setup. Some have also suggested Sam Curran as a dark horse for the role, given his experience in franchise cricket and his aggressive mindset.
England’s Upcoming Challenges
Beyond the ODI captaincy debate, England also has significant challenges in Test cricket, particularly the highly anticipated Ashes series in 2025-26. However, before they shift focus to Australia, Root emphasized the importance of their upcoming home series against India, which will be a true test of their strength.
“I think we’re capable of winning, but we’ve got to take care of business at home first. India coming over for a five-match series means there’s no hiding place. It’s a long old slog, and you need to deliver match-winning performances again and again,” Root said.
The England vs. India Test series, beginning on June 20, will mark the start of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-26 cycle, making it an important contest for both teams. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will be eager to break their long-standing drought in England, as they haven’t won a Test series there since 2007. On the other hand, England will be keen to continue their aggressive "Bazball" approach and maintain their dominance at home.
England’s ability to perform against a high-quality Indian side will be crucial in setting the tone for their Ashes preparation. Australia remains a formidable challenge, especially in their own backyard, and England will be eager to improve upon their previous performances down under.
Root’s Role in the Future
While Root has distanced himself from leadership responsibilities, his role as a senior batter remains vital for England’s success. Having amassed over 11,000 Test runs and played key roles in England’s World Cup victories, his experience and consistency will be invaluable in both the ODI and Test formats. As England navigates a period of transition in white-ball cricket and gears up for crucial Test assignments, Root will continue to be one of the pillars of the team, even if he won’t be the one wearing the captain’s armband.
