Sachin Tendulkar Speaks About Joe Root Pacing Him To Smash His Record And Cheteshwar Pujara's Retirement

Sachin Tendulkar has never only been respected for his runs but also for his persona off the field. He recently commented on two other cricketers who feature prominently in the world of Test cricket. Both of these instances reflect how Sachin inspires while also appreciating others' journeys of making their own contributions to cricket history. One is Joe Root who is in the race to catch Tendulkar's all time record of runs for the longest format and the other is Cheteshwar Pujara who recently retired after giving Indian cricket over a decade of his unmatched commitment. Joe Root recently became the second highest Test run scorer when he crossed the 13000 run barrier.

 This leaves him only behind Sachin Tendulkar who remains the world record holder with 15921 runs in 200 Tests. Root is now at 13543 runs and thus he is only 2378 runs away from making history. When questioned about Root in an online AMA session, Sachin demonstrated the same dignity he displayed throughout his playing career. He was not afraid to sing the praises of the England batsman and identified what makes the player so unique. Sachin spoke about seeing Root play in his maiden game in Nagpur in 2012. At the time Sachin had informed his teammates that they were gazing at the future captain of England. He appreciated how Root evaluated the wicket and how shrewdly he changed ends. In Sachin's words that was the moment he realized Root was going to become England's big player.

Talking more Tendulkar stated that hitting 13000 runs itself is a great feat and what makes it even more special is the fact that Root is still continuing in the same manner. Coming from a player who has broken records which appeared impossible to breach this appreciation is of significance. It also reflects how Tendulkar appreciates players who appreciate the foundation of Test cricket. Root's composure and capability to construct an innings is what has made him one of the most reliable batters of his era. Though it is hard to say how long he will keep playing he has set himself up in a situation where Sachin's world record is within reach. That someone might almost reach the magical figure of just short of 16000 Test runs was unthinkable a few years ago but Root has now made it seem like a viable possibility. When discussing Root reveals how Sachin still celebrates other people's successes he also recently paid respect to one of India's most consistent batters in recent years Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara made his retirement announcement after playing for nearly a decade and a half.

 He played for India in 103 Test matches and five One Day Internationals. Famous for his sturdy technique and temperate nature Pujara upheld the old school way of Test cricket that emphasized patience grit and breaking down the opposition. Sachin Tendulkar posted on social media a moving message for him. It was always comforting to see Pujara come out to bat at number three he said. In Sachin's opinion, Pujara brought serene courage and immense love for Test cricket every time he took the field. He appreciated Pujara for exhibiting good technique and maintaining his cool under pressure which made him the mainstay of the Indian team for so many years. Pujara's most memorable performances included those in the Border Gavaskar Trophy of 2018 and 2019 when India toured Australia. During that series he made 521 runs at a rate of more than 74 facing over 1200 balls. His grit and patience ensured that India won the series 2-1 which was India's first ever Test series victory in Australia. Pujara also hit a century in the first Test when India had been reduced to 19 for 3. That innings put the rest of the series on the right path and as per Tendulkar, India would never have won had it not been for Pujara's grit and match winning contributions. In his farewell letter Sachin thanked him for a grand career and wished him all the best for his next life chapter. He concluded his message by asking Pujara to enjoy his second innings which symbolizes not only cricket but life outside the game. Both these instances are special because Sachin has always been regarded as the face of record cricket.

However, when asked about a person trying to break his own record, he opted to speak in respect and awe rather than pride or fear. Likewise when a younger generation teammate chose to retire he was as warm and humble. Legends who had done it all do not often make time to celebrate others. Sachin has once again demonstrated why he is still loved not only in India but around the world of cricket. For Joe Root the ride is yet to end and with each of his innings fans will look at whether he crosses that great figure of 15921 Test runs. For Pujara's chapter of international cricket may be closed but his name will always come up when people refer to India's great Test victories and the virtue of batting with discipline and patience. For Tendulkar both these tales need to feel unique in some way. One is of a record that may one day be broken and the other is of a fellow player who continued the ideals that Sachin himself held dear. They collectively remind us why Test cricket is still the true test of a player's character and ability.