Joe Root to retire before breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record? Massive update given

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel boldly claimed that if Joe Root cannot break Sachin Tendulkar’s world record for the most runs in Test cricket, then it will be extremely difficult for any batter to even come close to that milestone in the future.

Recently, Parthiv was asked in a light-hearted manner whether Joe Root should consider not breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s world record out of respect, just like what South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder did to save Brian Lara’s legendary 400-run record last month.

Parthiv Patel wants Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar's Test record before taking retirement

Patel dismissed the idea, saying he was not happy with Wiaan Mulder’s move and making it clear that such gestures aren’t necessary when you're chasing greatness. Root recently climbed to second on the all-time Test run-scorers list, moving past legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting after scoring 150 against India in the ongoing fourth Test.

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The former England captain’s tally now stands at 13,409 runs, just 2,512 behind Tendulkar’s massive total of 15,921 in the purest form of the game. And Parthiv believes that Root is the only active player who has a real shot at breaking that world record.

Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports, “He should not do that at all. I don’t agree with what Mulder did at all because when that record was broken (before Lara), it was Matthew Hayden against Zimbabwe in Perth."

"He didn’t say no at the time. If you are in that position, then why not? Joe Root is the only one who has come close to the record. Earlier, people used to talk about how records are meant to be broken.”

Parthiv Patel says only Joe Root can break Sachin Tendulkar’s world record

The cricket pandit has stressed that Root’s chase is likely the best chance anyone has since Test cricket is not played as often anymore, and no other current player is even close to that total.

Patel signed off by saying, “But realistically, if anyone can challenge this record, it is Joe Root. If he can’t do it, it’ll be even more difficult because Test cricket isn’t played as much now, and no one is even close to that amount of runs. If that 15,921 has to be surpassed, it’ll have to be Joe Root; otherwise, it’ll become very difficult.”

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Notably, the comparison came up because of Wiaan Mulder’s recent decision to declare South Africa's innings when he was just 34 runs short of breaking Brian Lara’s highest individual score in Test cricket. Mulder later admitted that he might choose differently if given another chance, especially after Lara himself encouraged him to go for it.

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Joe Root not chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s Test record!!

But Root has made it clear that breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s Test record isn’t something he is chasing. His main goal remains helping his team win matches. The right-handed batter also shared how special it was to play in the same era as Tendulkar.

Having grown up watching and admiring the Indian legend, Root said that being able to play against Tendulkar early in his career was one of the most memorable moments for him.