Joe Root, the prolific English batsman, is edging closer to one of cricket’s most prestigious milestones—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record. With 13,543 runs from 158 Tests, including 39 centuries, the 34-year-old is just 2,384 runs shy of Tendulkar’s monumental tally of 15,921 runs. Root’s remarkable consistency, particularly since 2020, has seen him amass over 6,000 runs in 69 matches at an average of 55.21, with 22 centuries. This has sparked widespread speculation about whether he can eclipse the Indian legend’s record.
Root’s journey to this point has been marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Former cricketers and analysts, including Farokh Engineer, Nadeem Khan, and Dilip Vengsarkar, have lauded his technical prowess, mental fortitude, and ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Engineer, a former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, expressed his admiration for Root, stating that even Tendulkar would be pleased if the Englishman breaks the record, as records are meant to be surpassed.
Despite his stellar career, Root has yet to score a Test century in Australia, a gap he hopes to fill in the upcoming Ashes series. A strong performance Down Under could significantly narrow the gap to Tendulkar’s record. Nadeem Khan, who coached Root during his formative years at Yorkshire, highlighted the batsman’s early dedication and predicted that he has the potential to achieve this historic feat.
Ramiz Raja, the former Pakistan captain, compared Root’s tenacity to that of Rahul Dravid, emphasizing his ability to thrive in challenging conditions, particularly in England. Raja noted that while Root may not be considered a batting genius in the same vein as Tendulkar or Viv Richards, his consistency and work ethic are unparalleled.
Jonathan Trott, Root’s former teammate, revealed that the Englishman’s relentless pursuit of improvement remains undiminished, even as he approaches the record. Root’s humility and hunger for success have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, making him a role model for aspiring players.
As Root continues his quest, cricket fans worldwide, particularly in India, will watch with bated breath, reminiscent of the days when Tendulkar graced the crease. Whether he breaks the record or not, Root’s legacy as one of the game’s modern greats is already secure.