As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches, there is growing uncertainty surrounding whether Joe Root and Ben Stokes will feature in England’s squad for the tournament. England’s ODI captain Jos Buttler has raised doubts about the future of the two veteran stars in the white-ball format. Both players have been central to England’s cricketing success in the past, but their participation in the upcoming major event is now uncertain.
Buttler Expresses Concerns Over Key Players
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, has admitted he is unsure about the involvement of Joe Root and Ben Stokes in the team for the Champions Trophy. He pointed out that the two players, who are both highly experienced, have not played an ODI for England since November 2023. With the announcement of the tournament’s schedule and venue still pending, Buttler emphasized that it is difficult to make concrete decisions about the squad just yet.
Buttler spoke with reporters and explained that Brendon McCullum, who is leading the red-ball side, will be in charge of making final decisions regarding player selection for the tournament. However, Buttler mentioned that the overall pool of players has shown impressive form, and younger players have made strong cases for a spot in the squad. This makes the decision to include veteran players like Root and Stokes more complex.
The Rising Stars and Their Impact on Selection
England’s younger generation of cricketers has impressed during recent matches, making it even harder for the selectors to decide who will make the cut for future tournaments. Buttler praised the young talent, saying they have performed admirably and should not be overlooked. He added that it will be exciting to see how these players continue to develop as they compete for spots on the team.
Despite the strong performances from the younger players, Buttler acknowledged the undeniable experience that Root and Stokes bring to the team. Both players have played over 100 ODIs each and are known for their leadership and match-winning abilities. However, the inclusion of these experienced stars might come at the expense of some of the younger players who are eager to prove themselves.
Can Root and Stokes Still Play White-Ball Cricket?
As of now, there is no definitive answer on whether Joe Root and Ben Stokes will return to England’s ODI side for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Buttler stressed that this is a decision that will be made through ongoing discussions with management and coaching staff. He mentioned that Brendon McCullum, the coach of England’s Test team, will play a significant role in determining the direction of the squad.
While Root and Stokes have been instrumental in England’s cricketing successes in recent years, their future in white-ball cricket remains uncertain. Buttler expressed his hope that the two players still have aspirations to feature in limited-overs cricket. However, the final decision on their inclusion will ultimately depend on how the selectors balance experience with the rising talent.
Recent ODI Appearances by Root and Stokes
Both Joe Root and Ben Stokes last played in an ODI match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens in November 2023. This was a significant match, as it marked the final appearance for both players in this format before the uncertainty about their futures began. Given their long-standing contributions to the team, many fans and cricket experts are eager to see if these veterans will make one last push for the Champions Trophy squad.
What’s Next for England’s ODI Setup?
As England looks ahead to the 2025 Champions Trophy, Buttler and the coaching staff will need to make difficult decisions regarding the squad’s composition. The strong performances from the newer players are a sign that England’s future in white-ball cricket looks bright. However, the leadership and experience of Joe Root and Ben Stokes could prove invaluable in such an important tournament.
With exciting times ahead for English cricket, fans can only wait to see if the veteran duo will be part of the squad or if it will be the younger players who lead the team forward. One thing is certain: the discussions and selections in the coming months will be crucial for the future of England’s ODI team.
