Root’s Journey from Admirer to Record Holder

Joe Root, born in December 1990, grew up idolizing cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. As a child, Root, like many of his generation, aspired to emulate the Indian maestro. Now, over three decades later, Root stands as the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history, trailing only Tendulkar. Reflecting on this achievement, Root shared his admiration for Tendulkar’s legacy and the inspiration he drew from the Indian icon. “He’s one of the greats the game has seen,” Root remarked during a conversation with Harsha Bhogle on Sony Liv.

Surpassing Legends in Test Cricket

On the third day of the fourth Test against India, Root surpassed Ricky Ponting’s record of 13,378 runs, reaching a total of 13,409 runs from 157 Tests. This milestone places him behind only Tendulkar’s formidable 15,921 runs. Root made his Test debut in Nagpur in 2012, during the twilight of Tendulkar’s career. Recalling this momentous occasion, Root expressed awe at playing against someone he had admired since childhood.

The Influence of Cricket Icons

Root’s journey has been influenced by several cricket legends. He fondly remembers trying to emulate Ricky Ponting’s famous pull shot during his formative years. Being mentioned alongside cricket greats like Ponting, Rahul Dravid, and Jacques Kallis is a testament to Root’s dedication and skill. “It’s pretty cool,” Root said about being compared to these icons.

Adapting and Evolving as a Cricketer

Root attributes much of his recent success to introspection and guidance from former England captain Nasser Hussain. During the pandemic, Root focused on analyzing his game and identifying patterns in his dismissals. This period of reflection led him to shift his focus from technique to risk management and maximizing output.

Looking Ahead: A Focus on Performance

Despite his achievements, Root remains grounded and focused on performance rather than records. When asked about chasing Tendulkar’s record, he told BBC Test Match Special that it’s not something he actively pursues. Instead, he believes that such milestones will naturally follow consistent performance.