Sachin Tendulkar praises Joe Root as England batter nears Test run record
The former India captain recalled recognising the potential of the English batter during his debut match in 2012.
Former India captain Sachin Tendulkar has expressed his support for Joe Root, noting that the England batter is one of the best of his generation. According to the Times of India, Tendulkar said he recognised Root's potential during the batter's first Test match in 2012.
Root is currently approaching Tendulkar's record for the most runs in Test cricket. The England batter has scored 14,278 runs in 169 matches and 309 innings, while Tendulkar retired with 15,921 runs in 200 matches and 329 innings.
Root requires 1,643 more runs to surpass the Indian legend's total. However, Root has already overtaken Tendulkar in the number of Test half-centuries, reaching 69 in September 2026 against Tendulkar's tally of 68.
During a Reddit session, Tendulkar named Root, Australia's Steve Smith, and England's Harry Brook as his favourite non-Indian batters. He also suggested a restructuring of One-Day International (ODI) cricket to balance the game.
Tendulkar proposed splitting 50-over matches into two 25-over innings while using a single ball and keeping 10 wickets for the entire match. He stated this change would help maintain the contest between bat and ball and address issues like dew.