"Joe Root is a gun player, it is a possibility" - Dinesh Karthik on chances of the English batter overtaking Sachin Tendulkar's Test runs tally

England v West Indies - 2nd Test Match: Day Four - Source: Getty — Joe Root has scored 11,940 runs from 143 Tests. (Pic: Getty)

Former keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes that Joe Root could become the highest run-getter in Test cricket if he can remain fit for at least six years. The English batter is currently eighth in the list of leading run-scorers in the format.

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of the list, with 15,921 runs from 200 Tests. Root is currently at 11,940 runs from 143 Tests. Commenting on Root's chances of breaking Tendulkar's long-standing record, Karthik said on Cricbuzz (4:15):

"Root has played 152 Test matches and scored above 11,000 runs. Sachin Tendulkar has played 200 Test matches. So, that would basically mean 48 Test matches more for Root, which would at least take six seasons. In six seasons, he has to get close to at least 4,500-5,000 runs more. Is it a possibility?

"Joe Root is a gun player, it is a possibility. A couple of things, he needs to be really fit through the next six years, and he'll be 39 by the time he finishes."

Root has looked in wonderful form in England's ongoing three-match Test series against West Indies. The right-handed batter has amassed 204 runs across three innings at an average of 68.00.

"I am sorry, but Joe Root shouldn't be the one who breaks Sachin's record" - Basit Ali

Former Pakistani batter Basit Ali doesn't want Root to be the player who surpasses Sachin Tendulkar's tally of runs in Test cricket. He suggested that someone like Virat Kohli, who is the same type of player as Tendulkar, should ideally break the record.

During a live session on his YouTube channel, Basit said (from 25:24)

"Joe Root shouldn't break Sachin Tendulkar's record. To break Sachin's record, you should be the same type of player as him, like Virat Kohli. I am sorry, but Joe Root shouldn't be the one who breaks Sachin's record."

Root needs just 13 runs to surpass former West Indies skipper Brian Lara and become the seventh-highest run-getter in Test cricket.