Joe Root Closing in on Sachin Tendulkar's Test Runs Record

Joe Root is making significant strides towards breaking Sachin Tendulkar's Test runs record, currently sitting at 14,075 runs. With a 71.3% chance of surpassing Tendulkar's 15,921 runs, predictions suggest he could achieve this milestone in upcoming matches. As Root prepares to play under Ben Stokes again, cricket fans eagerly anticipate this historic moment in the sport. Discover more about Root's journey and the statistics behind this exciting chase.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2026, 07:46 IST

Root's Journey Towards Tendulkar's Milestone

Joe Root is steadily approaching Sachin Tendulkar's remarkable Test runs record. With a total of 14,075 runs, he currently ranks second on the all-time list. The former captain of England has been in exceptional form in Test cricket since 2021, and a record that once seemed unreachable may soon be within his grasp. Tendulkar, famously known as the Master Blaster, concluded his illustrious career with 15,921 runs. Root is now just 1,876 runs shy of this impressive tally and will celebrate his 36th birthday on December 30.

According to calculations by Sky Sports, Root has a 71.3% probability of surpassing Tendulkar's record. The analysis suggests that he could achieve this milestone during England's first Test of the year against South Africa or potentially in the final Test of 2028 against India. Michael Atherton shared these insights on Sky Sports, stating, "We got Benedict to do the numbers, and he's crunched them and says he's got a 71.3% chance of going past Sachin. And he's likely to do it either in the first Test of the 2028 summer against South Africa, or maybe in the last Test of the India tour."

In contrast to Tendulkar, Root has not been a regular participant in ODIs, having played only 189 matches since his debut in 2013. He has not featured in a T20I since 2019 but has been a consistent presence in Test cricket since his debut in 2012. Interestingly, Root made his Test debut against India during Tendulkar's final series against England. Tendulkar was a mainstay in both formats, amassing 46 ODI and 200 Test caps, with a staggering 18,426 runs in ODIs and 100 centuries to his name.

Joe Root to Lead Under Ben Stokes

Joe Root, who served as England's stand-in captain for the second Test against New Zealand, will once again play under Ben Stokes, who has been recalled to the Test squad after missing the second Test due to a nightclub incident. Gus Atkinson has also returned to the Test team.