Joe Root’s remarkable form has positioned him as a serious contender to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic Test run record. With unwavering focus and resilience, the England star is closing the gap, but challenges like form and fitness loom large.
Mumbai | 26 July, 2025: At 34, Joe Root is writing a new chapter in Test cricket history, chasing down Sachin Tendulkar’s towering record of 15,921 runs with a hunger that has fans on the edge of their seats. On July 25, 2025, during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, Root’s masterful 150 propelled him past legends Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting, cementing his place as the second-highest run-scorer in Test history with 13,409 runs. Now, only Tendulkar stands ahead, with Root trailing by 2,512 runs, a gap he seems poised to close given his current trajectory and England’s packed Test schedule.
Root’s journey began with a polished 73 on debut in Nagpur in 2012, signaling his potential to become one of cricket’s greats. Since turning 30, he has elevated his game, amassing 5,586 runs in 60 Tests, including 21 centuries, at an impressive average of 56.42. Freed from the pressures of captaincy in 2022, Root has thrived under Ben Stokes, adopting an aggressive “Bazball” style while maintaining his trademark consistency. His 38th Test century, tying Kumar Sangakkara’s tally, underscores his relentless drive, with only Ponting (41), Kallis (45), and Tendulkar (51) ahead in the century count.
Yet, the path to Tendulkar’s record is fraught with challenges. Tendulkar, who debuted at 16 and played 200 Tests over 24 years, embodied extraordinary longevity and resilience, battling injuries like a creaking back and tennis elbow while carrying India’s batting hopes. Root, now in his 157th Test, must maintain his fitness and mental sharpness to close the 2,512-run gap. With England playing 13–15 Tests annually, projections suggest Root could surpass Tendulkar in about 31 Tests—roughly two and a half years—by his 37th birthday, assuming he sustains his current average of around 80.95 runs per match.
However, cricket is unpredictable. A dip in form, like the one Virat Kohli faced in recent years, or an unexpected injury could derail Root’s quest. Tendulkar’s record is not just a number but a testament to his ability to stay motivated through decades of pressure. Root’s love for Test cricket and his ability to adapt offer hope, but the journey demands endurance. Fans worldwide are watching, inspired by Root’s grit and dreaming of a historic moment that could redefine Test cricket’s legacy.
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