‘I knew he was going to do it big’: Sachin Tendulkar breaks silence as Joe Root closes in on his all-time Test record

Joe Root and Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar has backed Joe Root’s credentials as one of the best batsmen of his generation, revealing he spotted the England star’s potential during his first Test appearance in 2012. Root is now closing in on Tendulkar’s long-standing record for runs in Test cricket.During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, the former India captain was asked about Root’s pursuit of his record. Responding with high praise for the English batter, Tendulkar recalled the impression he made during his debut.“I’ve always rated him very highly and it was evident in his first Test match that he was going to make it!” said Tendulkar.Root currently ranks second on the overall Test scoring list with 14,278 runs from 169 matches and 309 innings. He needs another 1,643 runs to overtake Tendulkar, who retired from Test cricket with 15,921 runs in 200 matches and 329 innings. The tally of Indian giants remains the highest in the format.Interestingly, Tendulkar was part of the Indian team against which Root made his Test debut in Nagpur in December 2012. The young England batsman made an immediate impression, scoring 73 off 229 deliveries in the first innings before remaining unbeaten on 20 in the second as the match ended in a draw.More than a decade later, Root has established himself as one of the best Test batsmen of his generation and is within touching distance of one of cricket’s most famous records.However, Root has already surpassed Tendulkar in the list of most Test half-centuries. The England captain brought up his 69th Test fifty in September 2026, moving ahead of the Indian legend’s 68th.Tendulkar also shared the names of his favorite non-Indian batters during the interaction, picking England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root along with Australia’s Steve Smith.

Tendulkar renews call for overhaul of ODI format

The batting legend also reiterated his proposal to restructure One-Day International cricket, suggesting that the traditional 50-over 50 match should be split into two separate innings of 25 overs by each team.Under his proposed system, teams would retain all 10 wickets over the full 50 overs, rather than being given separate sets of wickets for each innings. He also suggested using one ball throughout the match.“My suggestion is simple. Split the 50 overs into two innings of 25 each. But keep 10 wickets for the full 50 overs and use only one ball. That way the bat-ball contest stays alive and both teams get to bat and bowl under the dew. It levels the game for both sides. We have to do something before the bowlers die out,” he said.Tendulkar believes the change could help restore a better balance between bat and ball, especially in conditions where dew often affects the outcome of matches.

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