How many runs does Joe Root need to overtake Sachin Tendulkar to become leading run-scorer in test cricket?

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :July 25, 2025 at 11:41 PM

Modified at :July 25, 2025 at 11:41 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images/ BCCI)

Joe Root is the second-highest run-scorer in test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar.

During the fourth test between England Cricket Team and Indian Cricket Team at Old Trafford, Manchester, Joe Root became the second-highest run-scorer in the longest format of the game. He achieved the feat during his 150-run knock in first innings of the test.

During his innings, he overtook Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting in the list of highest run-scorers in test cricket. Dravid scored 13,288 runs in 164 tests, Kallis piled up 13289 runs in 166 games, while Ponting mustered 13378 runs in 168 games.

Joe Root needs 2,513 runs to overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the leading run-scorer in test cricket

Joe Root celebrates his hundred in the Manchester test against India — England’s Root celebrates reaching his century during day three of the Fourth Rothesay Men’s Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Friday, July 25, 2025. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who retired from test cricket in 2013, is still the highest run-scorer in test cricket with 15,921 runs. He played a total of 200 tests in his career from 1989 to 2013.

After first innings of the Manchester test between England and India, where he scored 150, Root now has 13,409 test runs to his name. Hence, he will need more 2513 runs to overtake Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer in test cricket.

Notably, Root is 34 years old currently and has a few more years left in his career. Hence, he has a good opportunity to surpass the Indian legend for the record. In the last few years, he has shown consistent form in the longest format of the game.

Root so far has mustered 13,409 runs in 286 innings at an average of 51.17. He has also slammed 38 centuries and 66 half-centuries. He slammed his 38th test century and 12th ton against India in the Manchester test.

Meanwhile, Root has shown a wonderful batting form in the ongoing test series against India. Across seven innings, he has mustered 403 runs at an average of 67.17. The right-handed batsman has slammed two centuries and one half-century in the series.

Who is the highest run-scorer in test cricket?

Sachin Tendulkar with 15,921 runs is the highest run-scorer in test cricket.

How many runs Joe Root needs to overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer in test cricket?

Joe Root needs 2513 more runs to overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-scorer in test cricket.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.