Joe Root Makes Honest Sachin Tendulkar Admission as Record Chase Intensifies

England batting star Joe Root has paid a heartfelt tribute to Sachin Tendulkar while continuing his pursuit of the Indian legend's all-time Test run-scoring record.

Root is now less than 2,000 runs away from overtaking Tendulkar's tally of 15,921 Test runs, but the former England captain insists that simply being mentioned alongside the Indian great is an achievement in itself.

The 35-year-old currently has 13,943 runs from 163 Test matches and remains on course to challenge one of cricket's most revered records over the next couple of years.

Joe Root hails Sachin Tendulkar's remarkable longevity

Speaking to The Athletic, Joe Root reflected on Tendulkar's extraordinary career and admitted he still finds it difficult to comprehend the scale of the Indian icon's achievements.

"Well, I get asked it enough times now that I can't really ignore it even if I try to," Root said.

"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."

Tendulkar made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1989 and went on to play international cricket for 24 years before retiring in 2013 as the leading run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs.

'Serious, serious player': Root's praise wins over fans

Root also highlighted the immense pressure Tendulkar carried throughout his career, particularly during an era when India often relied heavily on him for batting success.

"All the while he (Tendulkar) was the most famous man in India. Serious, serious player," Root added.

The comments quickly resonated with cricket fans, particularly in India, with many praising Root for acknowledging not just Tendulkar's numbers but also the weight of expectations he handled throughout his career.

Can Joe Root break Sachin Tendulkar's Test runs record?

While Tendulkar's record once appeared untouchable, Root's consistency over the last few years has brought the milestone firmly into view.

Since the start of 2023, the Yorkshire batter has amassed 3,148 runs in 35 Test matches, establishing himself as the format's premier run-scorer in the current era. His remarkable form has fuelled growing belief that he could eventually surpass Tendulkar's benchmark.

Root needs 1,978 more runs to move past Tendulkar's tally of 15,921 runs, and with England continuing to play an aggressive brand of cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, opportunities to accumulate runs remain plentiful.

When will Joe Root play next?

Root will next be in action when England host New Zealand in a three-match Test series beginning at Lord's on June 4.

Every run scored during the series will bring him one step closer to cricket's most coveted batting record, but if his latest comments are anything to go by, Root remains focused on appreciating Tendulkar's legacy rather than chasing it.

For now, the England star continues to collect runs, while maintaining immense respect for the man whose name sits at the summit of Test cricket history.