England batting maestro Joe Root has heaped rich praise on Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar while speaking about the possibility of surpassing the Master Blaster’s iconic Test run-scoring record. Tendulkar remains the highest run-getter in the history of Test cricket, having amassed 15,921 runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78. Root, meanwhile, has steadily climbed the charts over the past few years and currently has 13,943 runs from 163 Tests, leaving him just 1,978 runs away from overtaking the Indian great.

Speaking during a conversation, Root admitted that the growing chatter around the record has become impossible to ignore. “Well, I get asked it enough times now that I can’t really ignore it even if I try to,” Joe Root said to The Athletic.

Despite inching closer to one of cricket’s most celebrated milestones, the former England captain made it clear that simply being mentioned alongside Tendulkar is an honour in itself. Root lauded the Indian icon not only for his extraordinary numbers in Test cricket but also for the incredible longevity and pressure he handled throughout his career.

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“It’s remarkable what Sachin Tendulkar achieved in the game. You have to believe me when I say that to even be in the conversation with him is enough for me. The guy made his Test debut before I was born, and played in my Test debut! His longevity in itself is remarkable and then you look at the runs he got in Test cricket… but not only that, he’s got 50 ODI hundreds, too,” Joe Root added.

The England batter further acknowledged the immense pressure Tendulkar carried during his playing days, especially considering the unmatched popularity he enjoyed in India for over two decades. “All the while he was the most famous man in India. Serious, serious player,” Joe Root remarked. 

While many cricket experts believe Root has a genuine chance of eventually overtaking Tendulkar’s tally, the 35-year-old stressed that his focus remains on constant improvement rather than records. The stylish right-hander explained how he continues to work on evolving his game and staying mentally clear while batting.

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“I’m always looking to evolve, to try and add things to my batting. To make sure that I feel as compact and as technically sound as I can be so that when the actual games come around I can think tactically and play what’s right in front of me rather than worrying about technical stuff or anything else out in the middle,” he continued.

England will take on New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting from June 4, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.