3 Players Who Can Become England’s Next White-ball Captain After Jos Buttler’s Resignation

England’s white-ball cricket has entered a new phase of transition following Jos Buttler’s resignation as captain, which he announced on February 28, 2025. The decision comes in the wake of England’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a tournament that saw them struggle in the group stage against Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

Buttler’s departure signals the end of an era in England’s limited-overs cricket, raising the crucial question: Who will be the next leader to guide England into its future?

With the search now on for a new white-ball captain, let’s analyze the probable reasons behind Buttler’s resignation, England’s struggles in the Champions Trophy, and the top candidates in line to take over the leadership role.

Jos Buttler’s Resignation: What Led to the Decision?

Buttler’s leadership tenure, which began in 2022, was filled with highs and lows. While he led England to T20 World Cup glory in 2022, recent performances in ODIs and T20Is have been underwhelming. England’s exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, combined with a string of poor results, ultimately pushed Buttler to step down.

England’s Poor Run in ODIs

Champions Trophy 2025 Group Stage Failures:
- Lost to Australia:
  - England posted 351/8 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
  - Australia successfully chased the target, winning by five wickets thanks to Josh Inglis’ unbeaten 120.
- Lost to Afghanistan:
  - England needed to win against Afghanistan but failed in a tight chase, losing by eight runs despite Joe Root’s 120-run knock.
Recent ODI Whitewash Against India (0-3):
- Before the Champions Trophy, England endured a 0-3 ODI series loss against India, exposing their inconsistencies in the 50-over format.

The back-to-back failures in ODIs prompted Buttler to admit that stepping down was the best decision for both him and the team.

“It’s the right choice for me and the team,” Buttler stated in his resignation announcement.

With his departure, England now faces a crucial leadership change, and the selection of the new captain will shape their white-ball future.

Who Will Be England’s Next White-Ball Captain?

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) now has the task of selecting a new leader for both ODIs and T20Is. While England has several experienced players, three candidates stand out as front-runners for the captaincy role:

1. Harry Brook – The Emerging Leader

Why He Could Be England’s Next Captain

Age: 26
Role: Batter
Leadership Experience: Vice-captain in ODIs & T20Is, England U-19 captain (2018 World Cup)
Recent Champions Trophy 2025 Scores: 25, 25

Brook has steadily risen as a key figure in England’s white-ball cricket since his international debut in 2022. His aggressive batting style and ability to handle pressure make him a strong candidate for the captaincy.

Brook has already been vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, and his experience of leading England’s U-19 team in the 2018 World Cup shows that he has captaincy potential. His performances in franchise leagues, including The Hundred and IPL, have further enhanced his reputation as a future leader.

Why Brook Is a Good Choice

Young and energetic – Can be a long-term captain.
Already part of England’s leadership group.
Consistent performer in white-ball cricket.

Challenges He Might Face

Limited senior captaincy experience.
Still establishing himself in international cricket.

If England wants to invest in a long-term leader, Harry Brook is the best option to lead them into the next generation of white-ball cricket.

2. Liam Livingstone – The Versatile Option

Why He Could Be England’s Next Captain

Age: 31
Role: All-rounder
Leadership Experience: Captain of Lancashire in T20 Blast, Stand-in England ODI captain (2024)
Recent Champions Trophy 2025 Scores: 17, 16

Livingstone is one of the most dynamic players in England’s white-ball setup. His ability to bat explosively and bowl useful off-spin and leg-spin makes him an asset in both ODIs and T20Is.

He has previous captaincy experience, having led Lancashire in the T20 Blast, and even captained England in a three-match ODI series against West Indies in 2024.

Why Livingstone Is a Good Choice

All-rounder capabilities – Provides balance to the team.
Experience leading in county and international cricket.
Plays multiple franchise leagues, bringing leadership insights from around the world.

Challenges He Might Face

Not a consistent performer in ODIs.
Hasn’t captained England for a long period.

If England wants a short-term aggressive leader, Livingstone could be the perfect option.

3. Joe Root – The Experienced Campaigner

Why He Could Be England’s Next Captain

Age: 34
Role: Batter
Leadership Experience: Former England Test captain (64 matches)
Recent Champions Trophy 2025 Scores: 68, 120

Joe Root is England’s most experienced candidate. He captained the Test team for five years, making him a natural leader with strong tactical acumen.

Although Root has never led England in white-ball cricket, his calm demeanor and consistency make him a reliable choice to bring stability. His match-winning century against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy proves he still has a lot to offer.

Why Root Is a Good Choice

Vast leadership experience in Test cricket.
Proven performer in high-pressure games.
Can bring stability and guidance to young players.

Challenges He Might Face

Never captained England’s white-ball teams.

At 34, may not be a long-term solution.

If England wants a safe, experienced leader, Root could be the ideal short-term option.

Comparing the Candidates

Player	Age	Role	Leadership Experience	Recent Scores (CT 2025)	Strengths
Harry Brook	26	Batter	Vice-captain, U-19 captain	25, 25	Youth, potential, consistency
Liam Livingstone	31	All-rounder	County captain, stand-in England captain	17, 16	Versatility, recent leadership
Joe Root	34	Batter	Former Test captain, no white-ball captaincy	68, 120	Experience, tactical acumen, stability

Who Should Be England’s Next White-Ball Captain?

England faces a critical decision in appointing its next white-ball captain.

If the ECB wants a long-term captain, Harry Brook is the best option.
If they need a short-term aggressive leader, Liam Livingstone is a solid choice.
If they prioritize experience and stability, Joe Root is the safest option.

With the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, the next captain’s leadership will be crucial in shaping England’s white-ball future. Who will step up and lead England into a new era? Only time will tell.

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