Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs stands as one of cricket’s most formidable achievements.Over his 24-year career, Tendulkar displayed unparalleled skill, consistency, and longevity, cementing his status as the “God of Cricket.” While greats like Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Kumar Sangakkara have come close, Tendulkar’s record remains unbroken.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has identified Joe Root as a potential successor to Tendulkar’s record. Vaughan praised Root’s exceptional batting skills, approach, and recent form, suggesting he could eventually surpass Tendulkar’s tally.
“Joe Root will become England’s leading run-scorer in the next few months and is so special that he really could overtake Sachin Tendulkar eventually. As the rock, Root is obviously key to that, and I love that he kept the reverse-scoop in the locker until he was past 100 and England’s lead was massive.
“Against an attack like the West Indies in these conditions, you expect him to get a century. He missed out in the first innings but was so determined to put it right in the second. He was never going to make the same mistakes,” wrote Vaughan in his column for The Telegraph.
Root’s sublime 122 against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, which included his strategic use of the reverse scoop, further reinforced Vaughan’s belief.
Root’s consistency and ability to score under pressure have made him a pivotal figure in England’s Test lineup. With 11,940 runs and 32 centuries to his name in Tests, he is on the verge of breaking several English records currently held by Alastair Cook, including most Test hundreds (33) and highest run-scorer (12,472).
Root is also poised to become only the seventh batter in history to score 12,000 Test runs, having recently overtaken Brian Lara‘s tally.
While Vaughan’s claim is bold, Root’s recent form and career trajectory suggest he has the potential to challenge Tendulkar’s record. However, surpassing such a monumental achievement will require sustained excellence over an extended period, akin to Tendulkar’s remarkable longevity.
