Former Indian keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes that Joe Root could potentially become the highest run-getter in Test cricket if he maintains his fitness over the next six years. Root, currently eighth on the all-time list of leading Test run-scorers, has sparked speculation about his ability to surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with 15,921 runs from 200 Tests. Root, on the other hand, has amassed 11,940 runs from 143 Tests. Discussing Root’s prospects of breaking Tendulkar’s record, Karthik shared his thoughts on Cricbuzz:
“Root has played 152 Test matches and scored above 11,000 runs. Sachin Tendulkar has played 200 Test matches. So, that would basically mean 48 Test matches more for Root, which would at least take six seasons. In six seasons, he has to get close to at least 4,500-5,000 runs more. Is it a possibility?
Joe Root is a gun player, it is a possibility. A couple of things, he needs to be really fit through the next six years, and he’ll be 39 by the time he finishes.”
Root has been in exceptional form during England’s ongoing three-match Test series against the West Indies, scoring 204 runs across three innings at an average of 68.00.
“I am Sorry, but Joe Root Shouldn’t be the One Who Breaks Sachin’s Record” – Basit Ali
However, former Pakistani batter Basit Ali expressed reservations about Root being the one to surpass Tendulkar’s record. Ali feels that a player like Virat Kohli, who mirrors Tendulkar’s playing style, would be a more fitting candidate to break the record. During a live session on his YouTube channel, Basit stated:
“Joe Root shouldn’t break Sachin Tendulkar’s record. To break Sachin’s record, you should be the same type of player as him, like Virat Kohli. I am sorry, but Joe Root shouldn’t be the one who breaks Sachin’s record.”
Root is on the brink of another milestone, needing just 13 runs to surpass former West Indies skipper Brian Lara and become the seventh-highest run-getter in Test cricket.
As Root continues to dazzle on the field, the cricketing world watches in anticipation to see if he can indeed challenge Tendulkar’s legendary record.