When can Joe Root break Sachin Tendulkar's Test run record? A realistic timeline explored

Can Joe Root break Sachin Tendulkar's record [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

For more than a decade, Sachin Tendulkar’s 15921 Test runs have stood like a mountain few even dared to look at, let alone climb. Many great batters came and went, some threatened briefly, but none truly stayed the course. 

Now, quietly and methodically, Joe Root has reached a point where the unthinkable suddenly feels possible.

Root is no longer chasing milestones. He is chasing history. With just under 2,000 runs separating him from Tendulkar, the question has shifted from “Can he?” to “When will he?”

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The run chase is no longer distant for Joe Root

Joe Root currently sits at 13937 Test runs. Over the last three to four years, he has been the most consistent batter in the world. Since 2021, he has piled on runs in every condition, from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and now Australia.

This is not a short purple patch. This is sustained dominance. What makes Root’s chase realistic is not just his form, but his rhythm. He is scoring runs in blocks, big hundreds, double hundreds, and long stays at the crease. 

His last 2000 runs have come in roughly 20-22 Tests. That rate matters. Because England play a lot of Test cricket. 

England’s schedule works in Root’s favour

(Table: Joe Root's Test stats against above mentioned teams)

Unlike many teams, England rarely have long breaks from Test cricket. Looking ahead, their calendar gives Joe Root steady opportunities to score.

In 2026, England are scheduled to play 3 Tests at home vs New Zealand, 3 Tests at home vs Pakistan and 3 Tests in South Africa.

That is already 9 Tests in one year. Add to that, 2 Tests in Bangladesh in early 2027, the 150th anniversary Test in Australia and the five-Test Ashes series at home in 2027.

Even without counting any additional series, Root is likely to play 18-20 Tests between mid-2026 and the end of 2027. At his current scoring rate, which is roughly 85-90 runs per Test, it is enough to cover the remaining distance.

Where it might happen?

There is also a romantic side to this chase. Cricket history loves timing and setting. If Joe Root continues as he is, there are three realistic windows:

Late 2027 - During the Ashes in England

This would be the most dramatic stage. Full houses, fierce rivalry, global attention. Root has an excellent Ashes record at home. A big series could bring him within touching distance or even over the line.

Early 2028 - Tour of Asia (Possibly India)

England are expected to tour Asia in the 2027-28 cycle. Root’s record in the subcontinent is outstanding. The idea of him breaking Tendulkar’s record in India, maybe even at Wankhede, carries a certain poetic weight.

Early 2028 - South Africa or Bangladesh Tour

Less glamorous, but statistically strong options. Joe Root averages well in both regions, and conditions suit long innings.

Based on current form and schedule, late 2027 to early 2028 appears to be the most realistic window. 

The only real obstacles

Form can fade. Injuries can strike. Motivation can dip. English cricketers historically don’t play deep into their late 30s. 

Alastair Cook retired at 33. Joe Root will be 37 in 2028. That makes desire as important as ability. 

But everything about Root’s recent interviews, workload management, and hunger suggests he is not winding down. He looks driven. He looks settled. He looks free.

So, when will it happen?

If Joe Root stays healthy and continues at even 70% of his current output, he should cross Sachin Tendulkar’s mark within the next 22–24 Tests. Given England’s schedule, that points clearly to 2027-28.

Not a distant dream. Not a fantasy. A real, approaching moment.

Cricket has waited a long time for someone to stand at Sachin’s door. Joe Root is no longer knocking. He is walking steadily towards it.

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