3 players who can become England’s next white-ball captain after Jos Buttler’s resignation

England‘s white-ball cricket landscape has undergone a significant shift with Jos Buttler‘s resignation as captain, announced on February 28, 2025, following the team’s early elimination from the Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament, currently taking place in Pakistan and the UAE, saw England exit after defeats to Australia and Afghanistan, marking a challenging period for the team.

Buttler’s decision, described as “the right choice for me and the team,” came after a string of poor performances, including six consecutive ODI losses, prompting a search for a new leader for both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Probable reason why Jos Buttler resigned from captaincy

The Champions Trophy 2025 has been a pivotal event, with England grouped in Group B alongside Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa. England’s campaign began with a high-scoring loss to Australia on February 22, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where they posted 351/8 but lost by five wickets in a record chase, with Josh Inglis scoring an unbeaten 120 for Australia. The subsequent match against Afghanistan on February 26, 2025, in Lahore was a must-win, but England fell short by eight runs, chasing 326, despite Joe Root‘s century (120). These results, combined with a poor run of form, including a 0-3 ODI whitewash by India earlier, led to Buttler’s resignation, leaving the team at a crossroads.

Also READ: Jos♋ Buttler resigns from captaincy after England’s early exit from Champions Trophy 2025

3 players who can succeed Buttler as England’s next white-ball skipper

Harry Brook: The emerging leader

Brook has steadily established himself as a key figure in England’s white-ball setup since his international debut in 2022. Currently serving as the vice-captain in both ODIs and T20Is, he is viewed as a natural successor to Jos Buttler. Brook’s leadership credentials date back to his time as England U-19 captain in the 2018 World Cup, where he led from the front with a century against Bangladesh. His recent performances in the Champions Trophy 2025, coupled with captaincy experience in The Hundred🧸, reinforce his potential as a long-term leader for England.

Liam Livingstone: The versatile option

Liviဣngstone’s leadership experience and all-round abilities make him a strong contender for England’s next white-ball captain. A senior member of the squad since his debut in 2017, he has led Lancashire in the T20 Blast and captained England in a three-match ODI series against West Indies in 2024. His ability to thrive under responsibility, as seen in domestic and franchise cricket, adds to his credentials. While his recent Champions Trophy performances have been modest, his explosive batting and adaptability make him a dynamic choice for the leadership role.

Joe Root: The experienced campaigner

Root’s extensive captaincy experience in Test cricket makes him a compelling candidate despite not having led England in white-ball formats. As a former Test captain with 64 matches at the helm, he brings a wealth of leadership knowledge and tactical acumen. His recent form in the Champions Trophy 2025, where he scored a century against Afghanistan, highlights his ability to lead by example. Though at 35 he may be a short-term option, Root’s presence could provide stability as England transitions into a new era of white-ball leadership.

Comparative analysis of the candidates

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