Can Joe Root dethrone Sachin Tendulkar in Tests

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.