Samit Patel Hails Joe Root's Pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar's Test Record

Samit Patel, the former England all-rounder, expressed that it would be an "incredible" feat if Joe Root manages to eclipse Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in Test cricket. He commended Root's relentless drive to accumulate runs and his impressive longevity in the sport. During an interview at the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026, Patel noted that Root's enduring desire for runs has been a hallmark of his career as he approaches Tendulkar's historic record.

"Achieving this would be an unbelievable accomplishment. Sachin has always been my hero and idol, so if someone were to achieve that, it would be remarkable," Patel remarked.

Sachin Tendulkar concluded his Test career with a staggering 15,921 runs, the highest in the format's history. As of 2026, Joe Root has amassed 14,278 Test runs, leaving him just 1,643 runs shy of matching the Indian legend's record. Patel praised Root as one of the game's finest players, emphasizing the determination that has propelled his career at the elite level. "In my view, Joe Root is among the best players ever, and he continues to excel. His relentless hunger for runs is truly commendable, especially as he nears Tendulkar's record," he stated.

Patel also lauded Harry Brook, England's captain across all formats, calling him an extraordinary talent with the ability to execute a diverse array of attacking shots. "Harry Brook is an exceptional player. He can play shots in every direction; it's thrilling to watch him. He is currently in top form and can achieve anything," Patel commented.

Currently, Patel is competing with the England Champions in the WCL 2026. The team has secured two victories out of four matches and is positioned second in the points table. They are set to face the Australia Champions in their final league match on Wednesday, where a win would ensure their advancement to the semi-finals. Patel has represented England in six Tests, 36 One-Day Internationals, and 18 T20 Internationals from 2008 to 2015. A dedicated player for Nottinghamshire, he made 629 appearances for the county over 22 years, contributing significantly in both batting and bowling. He was part of Nottinghamshire's County Championship-winning teams in 2005 and 2010 and played a crucial role in their successful white-ball campaigns, including a double victory in 2017. Over his career with Nottinghamshire, he accumulated more than 25,000 runs and over 800 wickets.