'If Joe Root does it, it would be unbelievable': Samit Patel
Samit Patel discusses Joe Root's pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar's legendary Test run record and praises the England batter's hunger for runs.
Former England all-rounder Samit Patel has expressed his awe at the prospect of Joe Root potentially eclipsing one of the greatest milestones in cricket history. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026, Patel noted that if the England batter manages to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary Test run record, it would be nothing short of an "unbelievable" achievement.
The Chase for Greatness
Sachin Tendulkar retired from the longest format of the game with a staggering 15,921 Test runs, a benchmark that has stood as the gold standard for years. As of 2026, Joe Root has amassed 14,278 Test runs, leaving him just 1,643 runs away from the Indian maestro's mountain of runs.
Patel, who grew up idolizing the Indian batting legend, highlighted the sheer magnitude of the task ahead for Root. "If he can do it, that would be an unbelievable effort. Sachin is probably my hero and idol growing up, and if someone does that, it would be unbelievable," Patel told ANI.
The former all-rounder emphasized that Root's greatest asset is his relentless desire to contribute to the scoreboard. "Joe Root is one of the best players in my opinion, one of the best to play and still going. The thing that stands out about Root is the hunger to score runs," Patel added, noting that the pursuit of Tendulkar's record is likely a significant motivation for the England star.
A New Era of English Talent
While discussing the legends of the game, Patel also turned his attention to the current crop of English talent, specifically praising Harry Brook. Describing the young batter as an "unbelievable talent," Patel noted his ability to play the game in all directions.
- 360-Degree Ability: Patel highlighted Brook's capacity to play a wide range of attacking shots.
- Current Form: He described Brook as a player currently in "full force" and capable of performing any feat on the field.
WCL 2026 Update: England Champions on the Rise
Samit Patel is currently competing in the World Championship of Legends 2026 as part of the England Champions squad. The team has shown strong form, securing two victories in their opening four matches, placing them second on the points table.
The stakes are high for the upcoming fixture. The England Champions are set to clash with the Australia Champions in their final league-stage match this Wednesday. A victory in this encounter will mathematically guarantee their progression to the semi-finals.
Patel, who represented England in various international formats between 2008 and 2015, remains a stalwart of the game, particularly known for his massive contribution to Nottinghamshire, where he recorded over 25,000 runs and 800 wickets across his storied career.