Root needs nearly 2000 more runs to surpass Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in Tests.
Root is currently at No. 2 in the list of batters with most Test runs, having amassed 13,943 runs from 163 matches. The only cricketer ahead of him is Tendulkar, who has 15,921 Test runs to his credit from 200 matches.
Speaking to The Athletic, Root opened up on people asking him about his goal to surpass Tendulkar in the all-time list.
"Well, I get asked it enough times now that I can’t really ignore it even if I try to," the English talisman 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’s career defined an era of Indian cricket, spanning 24 years from 1989 to 2013. Making his international debut at just 16 years old, he shouldered the expectations of a billion people.
Root acknowledged the same, saying, "All the while he was the most famous man in India. Serious, serious player."
Rather than getting caught up in the discussion of possibly beating Tendulkar's all-time Test record, Joe Root let the question drift away.
Talking about his current form, Root said, "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. It sounds so simple but when I’m at the crease, I just want to be playing the game."