With Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, former England captain Joe Root has now emerged as the frontrunner in the race to break Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record. Kohli’s unexpected retirement on May 12 shocked the cricket world, especially since he was widely expected to challenge Tendulkar’s mark. Despite being in top form and peak fitness, Kohli’s exit has shifted focus to Root, who continues to pile on runs and remains active in the longest format. Sachin Tendulkar, famously known as the Master Blaster, set a towering benchmark with 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches over a career that spanned more than two decades. While several of his records still stand, some have been surpassed. Now, Joe Root looks well-positioned to challenge one of his most iconic milestones. Joe Root, currently in outstanding form, has amassed 12,972 Test runs, just 28 short of the 13,000 mark. He trails Sachin Tendulkar by 2,949 runs, and if he maintains his current pace, surpassing the legendary milestone appears within reach. From 2020 to 2024, Root has been remarkably consistent, scoring 5,373 runs in 109 innings across 60 matches, at an impressive average of 54, including 19 centuries. At 34, Joe Root is expected to continue playing for at least three more years, giving him a realistic shot at breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run record. Tendulkar currently tops the all-time list with 15,921 runs, followed by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting (13,378), South African great Jacques Kallis (13,289), and former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid (13,288). Root, with 12,972 runs, stands fifth on the list and is closing in fast.