England Star Picks His Greatest Batter of All Time in Fan Q&A
Joe Root Chooses Between Two Indian Legends
The long-standing debate over who is India’s greatest-ever batter — Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli — has once again made headlines. This time, England batting great Joe Root gave a direct and clear answer.
- In a fan segment called “This or That”, shared by England’s fan group Barmy Army, Root was asked to choose between cricket’s biggest legends.
- When it came down to Sachin vs Kohli, Root replied instantly: “Sachin.”
- His one-word response reignited the Tendulkar vs Kohli discussion among fans
Tendulkar vs Kohli: The Numbers Game
The comparison between the two Indian icons is as fierce as it is fascinating:
| Category | Sachin Tendulkar | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|---|
| Total International Runs | 34,357 (Tests + ODIs) | 27,599 |
| International Centuries | 100 | Most ODI centuries (ahead of Sachin) |
| Matches Played | Over 650 | Over 500 |
| Test Average | Higher than Kohli | Lower than Tendulkar |
| ODI Average | Lower than Kohli | Higher than Tendulkar |
| Current Status | Retired | Retired from Tests & T20Is (active in ODIs) |
Root’s All-Time Greatest: Tendulkar Over All Others
Joe Root didn’t just pick Tendulkar over Kohli — he chose him over a legendary list of batters:
- Brian Lara
- Ricky Ponting
- Jacques Kallis
- Virat Kohli
In Root’s eyes, Sachin Tendulkar stands at the very top.
Joe Root Closing In on Sachin’s Test Record
Interestingly, Root himself is on track to challenge Tendulkar’s Test run record:
- Tendulkar: 15,921 Test runs
- Root: 13,543 Test runs (as of current stats)
- Difference: Just 2,378 runs
At 34 years old, Joe Root still has time — and form — on his side.
In the enduring Sachin vs Kohli debate, Joe Root’s clear pick is Sachin Tendulkar. With unmatched records and over 34,000 runs, Tendulkar’s legacy continues to inspire cricket legends around the world — including those who are chasing his milestones.
