Joe Root has long been a mainstay in England’s Test and ODI sides but his T20 credentials have often been questioned leading to doubts over his future

NAGPUR, India — Joe Root is back in England's ODI team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The 34-year-old Root will bat at No. 3 in the first match of the one-day international series against India in Nagpur on Thursday. It will be his 172nd ODI appearance for England.

Joe Root ended the SA20 2025 as the third-highest run-getter in the tournament for the Paarl Royals in just eight matches, scoring 279 runs at an average of 55.8 and a strike rate of 140.5. It seemed like Root had never gone away from T20Is but he hasn't played for England in the format since 2019.

Jos Buttler believes Joe Root could hold the key to success in three ODIs against India as the England captain urged his side to “double down” on their approach despite a T20 series thrashing.

England batsman Joe Root will make his first ODI appearance since 2023 after being named in the team to face India in the opening match of the series in Nagpur on Thursday. Root, England's leading test run scorer and second on the ODI list,