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Dinesh Karthik has backed Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar's record for most Test runs but remains doubtful about Virat Kohli reaching the landmark of 100 international centuries. The former India wicketkeeper-batter shared his views on the two modern batting greats during Cricbuzz's latest ‘Hot Takes’ video.
Kohli currently has 86 international centuries, while Root has already established himself among the leading run-scorers in Test history. With both players still active in international cricket, Karthik believes Root has a realistic opportunity to surpass Tendulkar's record, while Kohli's pursuit of 100 international tons remains a much tougher challenge.
Virat Kohli's current international tons tally and Joe Root's current Test stats
Kohli has scored 86 international centuries across formats during his career. His tally includes 30 Test hundreds, 54 ODI centuries and two T20I hundreds, with the former India captain continuing to add to his remarkable record despite being in the later stages of his career.
Kohli's overall international numbers also include more than 28,000 runs, with his ODI career remaining particularly significant to his statistical legacy. He recently continued his strong form against West Indies, scoring 139* in the first ODI of the series before adding 29 in the second and being dismissed for a first-ball duck in the third.
Joe Root, meanwhile, has 14,278 Test runs from 169 matches and 309 innings. The England batter has scored 41 Test centuries and 69 fifties, averaging 50.45. He is currently second on the all-time Test run-scoring list, behind Tendulkar's 15,921 runs.
Root therefore needs 1,644 more runs to move past Tendulkar and become the leading run-scorer in Test cricket.
Dinesh Karthik doubts Virat Kohli's 100-ton bid
Dinesh Karthik was first asked whether cricket could see a decline after the eventual retirement of Rohit Sharma and Kohli. He highlighted the influence both players have had on Indian and global cricket before addressing Kohli's chances of reaching the 100-century mark.
"Yes, because they're two of the biggest names, and India being at the epicenter of where world cricket is. If you lose two of the best cricketers, it is going to have an effect," Dinesh Karthik replied.
When asked directly whether Kohli would score 100 international centuries, Karthik admitted he would like to see it happen but believes the target is difficult.
"Wow. I really wish he does, but I think it's very tough," the former India wicketkeeper responded.
Dinesh Karthik also backed the return of ODI tri-series and quadrangular tournaments after the 2027 World Cup, arguing that they could generate more interest than bilateral series.
"100%. I do feel tri-series and quadrangulars will invoke a little bit more interest than bilaterals," Dinesh Karthik replied.
Dinesh Karthik backs Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar's record for most Test runs
Root's position near the top of the Test run-scoring charts led to another question for Karthik. Unlike his assessment of Kohli's 100-century pursuit, the former India cricketer sees a strong possibility of Root overtaking Tendulkar.
"Good chance. They play a lot of Test cricket in England. He still looks quite fit. He's happily scoring runs every time he goes out to bat. think it's very possible for him," he said.
Karthik was also asked about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being the next superstar the game is craving. He had little hesitation in backing the young batter. "No doubt about it," Karthik said.
On the growing number of franchise leagues and whether they are spoiling cricket, Karthik felt the ICC needs to establish clearer boundaries around their expansion.
"Yes. I do feel ICC at some stage has to clamp down, and there should be some reason as to why a certain league is starting in a country. I don't think they should allow various leagues to blossom in different parts of the world," Karthik replied.
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