Statistically it’s possible, though very challenging. Whether Joe Root can overtake Sachin Tendulkar’s Test records depends on several factors. Let me break it down:
🎯 Sachin Tendulkar’s Record:
Test runs: 15,921
Matches: 200
Career span: 1989–2013 (24 years)
Retired at age 40
Joe Root’s Current Stats (as of August 2025):
Age: 34
Test runs: 13543
Matches: 158
Debut: 2012
✅ What’s in His Favor:
Excellent form post-captaincy
He has been in sublime form since stepping down as England captain in 2022.
Fitness and consistency
Root is extremely fit, rarely injured, and has a very technically sound game that works in most conditions.
England plays more Tests
Compared to many nations, England plays a lot of Test matches every year.
Can play till late 30s
If he plays till age 38–39, like Sachin, he could have 4–5 more years.
❌ Challenges:
Need ~2500 more runs
That’s roughly 800+ runs/year for the next 3 years, which is tough but not impossible.
Age factor & form dip risk
Performance typically declines post-35 for most cricketers. Fatigue, reflexes, motivation — all become factors.
📈 What He Needs to Do
If Root plays:
10 Tests/year and averages 50, he scores ~1,000 runs/year
At that rate, he would need less than 3 years to overhaul Sachin’s tally.
🧠 Verdict: Possible, but very tough
✔️ If Root plays till age 38–39
✔️ Maintains his form and fitness
✔️ England continues playing lots of Tests
👉 Then yes, Joe Root has a real shot at breaking Sachin’s record.
Here’s a visual comparison of Sachin Tendulkar’s actual Test run progression vs Joe Root’s actual + projected runs over their careers.
- 🟦 Sachin reached 15,921 in 24 years.
- 🟨 Joe Root (dotted line) is projected to cross that mark only if he continues scoring steadily for 3 more years.
| Sachin Tendulkar | Joe Root | |
| Span | 1989 – 2013 | 2012 – Present |
| Matches | 200 | 158 |
| Innings | 329 | 288 |
| Not Out | 33 | 24 |
| Runs | 15921 | 13543 |
| Highest Score | 248* | 262 |
| Average | 53.78 | 51.29 |
| 50s | 68 | 66 |
| 100s | 51 | 39 |
Career Progression
| Sachin Tendulkar | Joe Root | |
| Runs After 50 Tests | 3438 | 3237 |
| Runs after 100 Tests | 8405 | 8507 |
| Runs after 150 Tests | 11877 | 13300 |
Clearly both the batters were neck to neck after their respective 100 tests but Root accelerated in the next 50 tests with a difference of 1423 runs at the 150th test mark.
Sachin managed to score another 3414 runs in his last 50 tests. Root has a massive advantage here since England play at least 12 tests a year and he has age on his side and is never injury prone.
Joe Root has a clean shot at history to become the highest run getter in tests and with the T20 gaining popularity and a dip in tests it looks like Joe would stand on top for a very long time if he gets here.
Another 2-3 years and we shall put an end to this debate as to who will be highest run getter in Tests.
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