Root "sacrifices" opportunity to enter IPL mega auction

Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins will feature in the upcoming IPL auction, while England's red-ball captain Joe Root has "sacrificed" the opportunity to "throw" all his energy into reviving the fortunes of his under-fire team. Considered one of the modern greats of the game, Root is yet to play in the Indian Premier League after going unsold in the 2018 auction.

Last week, Root said he was considering entering the mega auction but added he would look to play in the tournament only if it does not distract him from his Test career. However, the wait to see the 31-year-old feature in the lucrative league increased further as he has decided to prioritise the English Test team, which just succumbed to an embarrassing 0-4 Ashes defeat.

"There's a lot that we need to do for this team, which deserves all of my energy," Root said at the post-match conference after his side's 146-run loss to Australia in the fifth Test on Sunday.

"I'll keep sacrificing as much as I can because I care so much about Test cricket in our country and trying to get us to where we want to be," added the star batter, confirming he has turned down the chance to enter the auction.

Meanwhile, Cummins has already signed up for the auction. The right-arm paceman played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous season. "I've signed up for the auction at this stage. I'll probably have a bit more of a think about it before that auction date. At this stage, I plan to do the IPL.

"(I have) no advice for anyone else. I think you've got to be aware of (workloads), it could be a lot of time on the road, some people manage that better than others, you have to know what you're signing up for. It could be a long-ish winter but the last couple of winters have been quiet at home. The traditional tours are still a little way away, it will be bubbles for a little bit longer. Everyone has to be aware of it."

The IPL has expanded to 10 teams starting this year and the mega-auction ahead of the upcoming season is scheduled to be held on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru.

(With inputs from PTI)