Keen to do well in his maiden IPL stint, star England batter Joe Root on Wednesday (March 29) said he will try to “get the best out of myself” and “be unpredictable for bowlers” in the tournament, starting March 31.

During the IPL 2023 auction last December, Root was roped in by Rajasthan Royals for his base price of INR 1 Crore.

“I’ll try and be me as much as I can and try to be unpredictable for bowlers. I am sure I will smile and enjoy it, and will try to get the best out of myself,” Root said in a team release.

“Everyone seems to want to create that feel around things that it’s more than just performances on the field. They said they were delighted to get me in the auction…”

Joe Root, who has represented England in 129 Tests, 158 ODIs and 32 T20Is, is looking forward to the upcoming IPL season.

“It’s an experience that you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world. I’ve never experienced it before so it’s all going to be very new to me, which, for an experienced player that’s played a lot of international cricket, is really exciting.”

“I’ve heard a lot of things. And I’m really looking forward to living it now.”

Sharing his thoughts on the Royals’ team, Root said: “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.”

Root also opened up about his preparations for the format. “I’m just trying to be as consistent as I can be. You can always work on things slowly and in the background but ultimately you are trying to make sure that your strengths are as good as they possibly can be.”

“And that you know you’re switched on and ready for any situation and scenario that you find yourself in and you have that clarity under pressure.”

(With PTI Inputs)