New Delhi: Joe Root has finally opened up about the possibility of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run scorer in Test cricket, admitting that merely being mentioned alongside the Indian legend already feels like a massive achievement.
Root, who is currently England’s leading run scorer in Test cricket and second on the all time list behind Tendulkar, said the Indian icon’s achievements remain extraordinary and difficult to match. Speaking about the constant comparisons, the England batter acknowledged that the topic has become impossible to ignore due to repeated questions surrounding the record chase.
Praising Tendulkar’s remarkable longevity and consistency, Root highlighted how the Indian great made his Test debut before Root was even born and was still playing when Root himself entered international cricket. He described that level of endurance and sustained excellence as truly incredible.
Root also pointed out that Tendulkar’s greatness was not limited to Test cricket alone. He praised the former India batter’s dominance in One Day Internationals as well, particularly his record of 50 ODI centuries, while calling him one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
The England batter further reflected on the immense pressure Tendulkar handled throughout his career, noting that he remained one of the most recognised public figures in India while continuing to deliver world class performances on the field.
Despite being within touching distance of several historic milestones himself, Root insisted his primary focus remains on improving his game rather than obsessing over records. He explained that he continues to work on refining his batting technique and maintaining consistency so that he can stay mentally free while batting during matches.
Widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, Root has enjoyed a remarkable run in Test cricket over the last few years. With age and form still on his side, discussions around his potential to eventually surpass Tendulkar’s all time Test run record are expected to continue growing in the cricketing world.
