What's Wrong With Joe Root In ODIs? Analyzing The Root Cause And Possible Fix For His Decline

Joe Root's ODI form has dipped tremendously [Source: AP Photos]

There was a time when Joe Root was England’s Mr. Dependable in ODIs: the glue that held the middle order together, the batter who could rebuild an innings, accelerate when needed and chase down targets with absolute precision. From 2013 to 2019, Root was a run-machine in ODIs as he smashed centuries, anchored chases and played an important role in England’s historic 2019 World Cup win.

However, in 2025, it’s a different story altogether. The same batter who once dictated terms in the 50-over format now seems like a shadow of his former self. His form in ODIs has plummeted, his impact has waned and the numbers paint a devastating picture.

So, what’s really happening to Joe Root in ODIs? Let’s break it down.

Root’s ODI career from 2013-19 vs 2020-25

Joe Root’s golden years in ODIs were between 2013 and 2019, where he was England’s backbone in the format. Let’s compare his record from 2013-2019 vs 2020-2023 to understand his dramatic decline.

That’s a staggering drop in both average and centuries. From being a 50+ averaging batter with 16 centuries, Root has turned into someone who hasn’t scored a single ODI ton in four years.

Recent ODI Performances Show A Worrying Trend

Root’s struggles aren’t just visible in long-term numbers. His recent form has been shockingly poor.

• Last 20 ODIs – 432 runs at an average of 22.7 with no centuries and only four fifties.
• Previous 20 ODIs before that – 809 runs at 57.8 with five fifties and two hundreds.

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His numbers in major ODI series since 2022:

• 2023 ODI World Cup – 276 runs in 9 innings at 30.67
• ENG vs NZ 2023 – 39 runs in 4 innings at 9.75
• ENG vs SA 2022 – 87 runs in 2 innings with one fifty
• ENG vs IND 2022 – 11 runs in 3 innings at 3.67

That’s not the Joe Root we know!

What’s Going Wrong With Root In ODIs?

England’s Shift In Batting Approach

England’s white-ball revolution has been built around power-hitters who can strike at 100+ from ball one. Players like Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Harry brook, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt have taken over the middle and lower-middle order, reducing the need for an anchor like Root.

Root’s traditional style of accumulating runs doesn’t fit into England’s new ODI template, making his role uncertain and less effective.

Lack Of Game Time In ODIs

With T20 leagues dominating the cricket calendar, Root barely plays ODIs anymore. Unlike before, where he was a regular in England’s 50-over setup, he now pops in occasionally, making it hard to find rhythm and form.

Since 2020, Root has played just 29 ODIs in almost five years—a far cry from the consistent runs of matches he used to get between 2013-2019.

Technical Issues Against Spinners And Pace Variations

Root’s strength has always been his ability to rotate strike and find gaps. However, in recent ODIs, he has struggled against:

• Leg-spinners and off-spinners who slow the ball down
• Fast bowlers using variations like slower deliveries and cutters

This was evident in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he got starts but couldn’t accelerate.

Is There Any Hope For Root’s ODI Future?

Root is still one of England’s best-ever batters but unless he adapts to modern ODI demands, his days in 50-over cricket could be numbered. England has younger, more aggressive options, and with the Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, the question remains: Does Root still deserve a place in England’s ODI setup? Or is it time for a change?

For now, it’s clear: Joe Root’s ODI decline is real and he needs a turnaround fast.

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