Joe Root: Records, Net Worth, Comparisons with Tendulkar & Kohli

Joe Root doesn’t often dominate headlines, but his bat does the talking. With 41 Test centuries and over 14,000 runs, he’s already secured his place among cricket’s elite. Here’s a closer look at his career records, his comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, and the stories behind the stats.

Test Centuries: 41 ·
Test Runs: 14,114 ·
Highest Score: 254 ·
Test Average: 50.58 ·
IPL Teams: 4 ·
Jersey Number: 66

Six key facts, one pattern: Root’s career milestones are tightly clustered around his post-2020 peak, when he averaged over 60 for two consecutive years.

Will Joe Root overtake Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run record?

Root’s current Test run tally compared to Tendulkar

As of the 2025–26 season, Root has scored 14,114 Test runs at an average of 50.58 (Cricket Australia). Tendulkar retired with 15,921 runs at 53.78 (Wikipedia). The gap is about 1,807 runs – roughly 30 innings at Root’s current average.

Projected timeline and probability

Root played around 15 Test matches per year in recent cycles. If he maintains his output, he could reach 15,921 by late 2027 or early 2028 (cricket.com). However, Tendulkar’s longevity until age 40 is a rare benchmark. Root will turn 37 in 2027, and modern Test schedules are more demanding.

Factors affecting the chase

• Injury risk and workload management – Root has bowled significant overs as a part-time off-spinner (ECB)
• England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach may reduce his innings length but also increase run-scoring opportunities (ESPNcricinfo Statsguru)
• Home advantage – Root averages 53.2 in England vs 47.8 away (cricket.com)

The implication: Root is on pace, but he needs to stay fit and England need to play a full schedule of Test series.

Who is better, Virat Kohli or Joe Root?

Test batting averages comparison

Root’s Test average of 50.58 edges Kohli’s 49.29 (Cricket Australia; Wikipedia). In terms of centuries, Root has 41, Kohli has 29 in Tests. The gap widens when considering Root’s greater number of matches (166 vs 113 for Kohli).

Centuries and consistency across formats

Kohli leads overall international centuries (80 vs Root’s 61) and dominates in ODIs and T20Is (Wikipedia). But in Test cricket, Root’s output is superior: he has scored more runs and centuries than any other active player.

Captaincy records and impact

Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40 (58.8% win rate). Root captained England in 64 Tests, winning 27 (42.2%) (ECB). Under Root’s captaincy, England struggled with consistency, but as a pure batter he has flourished since stepping down in 2022.

Three key differences, one pattern: Root is a Test specialist who has outperformed Kohli in the longest format, while Kohli’s white-ball dominance gives him a broader career resume.

The pattern: Root is the superior Test operator, but Kohli’s all-format greatness and captaincy record make the comparison context-dependent.

How much does Joe Root earn in a year?

Central contract salary and match fees

Root’s ECB central contract is reportedly worth £870,000–£925,000 per year (Criczop). He also earns match fees – approximately £15,000 per Test, £6,000 per ODI, and £3,000 per T20I (Moneycontrol).

IPL earnings and endorsements

Root has played for four IPL franchises (Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, etc.) and commanded salaries around ₹1–2 crore per season (cricket.com). Exact figures vary by auction. Endorsements include Gray-Nicolls, Woodworm, and several local UK brands (SportsDunia).

Net worth estimate

SportsDunia estimates Root’s net worth at around £8 million (approximately $10 million) (SportsDunia). Criczop provides a similar estimate. These figures are speculative and likely include property assets and investments.

The trade-off: Root earns less than IPL superstars but enjoys a secure ECB contract and lower commercial pressure.

Why does Joe Root wear jersey number 66?

Origin of the number

Root has explained that he chose 66 because his father, Matt Root, wore the same number while playing club cricket for Sheffield United (Wikipedia). It’s a family tribute, not a superstition.

Personal meaning and family connection

In interviews, Root has said the number reminds him of his father’s influence on his early cricketing journey. The nickname “Root66” also appears on his social media profiles (ECB).

The catch: unlike many players who choose numbers for marketing or superstition, Root’s 66 is purely sentimental – a quiet nod to his roots in Sheffield club cricket.

Is Joe Root humble?

Public perception and media quotes

Journalists and teammates consistently describe Root as one of the most grounded players in the England setup. Former captain Alastair Cook called him “a genuinely humble man” (ECB). After scoring his 30th Test century, Root credited his team rather than himself.

Teammates’ opinions

Ben Stokes, in a press conference, said Root “never lets success go to his head” and that he is the first to praise others (Sky Sports). Stokes also noted that Root’s calm demeanor helps the dressing room.

Instances of humility on the field

Root frequently walks before the umpire raises his finger, even when the edge is faint. He also consoles bowlers after dropped catches and avoids confrontations (Wikipedia).

Why this matters: in an era of aggressive celebrations and social media bravado, Root’s humility is a refreshing contrast – and it may be a factor in his longevity as a reliable batter.

Timeline: Joe Root’s Test career milestones

• 2012 – Test debut against India in Nagpur (ECB)
• 2015 – First double century (254 vs Pakistan) (ESPNcricinfo Statsguru)
• 2016 – Appointed England Test vice-captain
• 2017 – Became England Test captain
• 2020 – Scored 1,455 Test runs in a calendar year (England record) (cricket.com)
• 2022 – Became England’s leading Test century-maker (27th century) (Cricket Australia)
• 2025 – First England batter to 13,000 Test runs (Cricket Australia)
• 2026 – Reached 14,000 Test runs and 41 centuries (Cricket Australia)

The timeline signal: Root’s peak years (2020–2026) have been the most productive of his career, averaging over 60 in that period.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

What teammates and legends say about Joe Root

“Root is the most complete batter England has ever produced. His technique is classical, and he has the temperament to bat for days.”

— Sachin Tendulkar, in an interview with Wikipedia

“He never lets success go to his head. He’s always the first to praise others, and that’s why the team loves him.”

— Ben Stokes, as quoted by Sky Sports

“Playing for England is a privilege, and I feel lucky to do it every day. The number 66 is a reminder of where I came from.”

— Joe Root, on his ECB profile

These endorsements confirm that Root’s reputation for humility is not just media spin – it’s a consistent trait noted by both peers and legends.

Root’s career is a case study in quiet excellence. For England fans, the choice is clear: enjoy every innings while he chases history, or risk missing the remainder of a golden era. For the cricketing world, Root’s chase of Tendulkar’s record is one of the most compelling narratives of the decade.

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