Not Impossible, But Very Difficult For Root To Break Sachin’s Test Tally Record: Sunil Gavaskar

Mumbai: Ex-India captain Sunil Gavaskar said it’s “very difficult” for England’s Joe Root to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs. He added that the Englishman can break the record if he can maintain his enthusiasm and carry on.

Gavaskar cited the example of Courtney Walsh and Richard Hadlee, who have 519 and 431 Test wickets respectively, explaining that people thought their record for most wickets would remain untouched, and yet we are well past that today. However, the 72-year-old feels that it is very difficult to break Tendulkar’s record.

In 1987, Gavaskar became the first batsman to break the 10,000-run barrier in Tests. Earlier this month, Joe Root became the youngest batsman to complete 10,000 runs in Tests along with compatriot Alastair Cook.

Gavaskar said, “He [Sachin Tendulkar’s Test tally] is an unbeatable record because we are talking about around 6000 runs, which means you have to score around 1000 runs or 800 runs over the next 8 years for you to get there,” Gavaskar was quoted by India Today.

The root is currently 12th on the list of highest run-scorers in Tests and second only to an Englishman. Gavaskar said that mental fatigue could also be a factor for Root, which could lead to a drop in form going forward.

“Alastair Cook retired but he is still playing first-class cricket. Sometimes, if you are playing round the clock, your form may also drop due to mental fatigue. Root is scoring 150+ but it can take a toll on him mentally and physically,” said the former India captain.

“Anything is possible in sports. We had earlier thought that Richard Hadlee’s 431 would not be broken, but he went ahead. Then we thought about Courtney Walsh’s 519… So, I mean look where we’re headed. (It) is not impossible, but very difficult,” Gavaskar said.

Root is currently playing his 119th Test match for England against New Zealand and is regarded as one of the best batters of all time. He currently stands second in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings behind Australian Marnus Labuschagne.

Follow us on Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.