Debasis Sen from Manchester
Former England captain David Gower believes Joe Root has a genuine chance of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in Test cricket. Widely regarded as one of the finest left-handed batters in the game’s history, Gower feels that if Root remains fit and motivated, he could comfortably continue playing at the highest level for another three to four years.
In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, Gower also shared his thoughts on a range of topics, including Shubman Gill’s leadership potential, the composition of the current Indian Test team in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, how Test cricket needs characters like Rishabh Pant, and much more.
You’ve played with, and against some of the greats over the years. How do you rate Joe Root’s innings?
David Gower: Well, Joe (Root) was at his sublime best. In fact, he has been for many years. He’s shown us once again that a player with his panache, grace, timing, and sense of organisation can play truly magnificent cricket. There was a phase when Joe experimented a bit, leaning into what’s been called ‘Bazball’—a term I tend to avoid. He tried things he didn’t necessarily need to. But when Joe plays like himself—when he’s settled—he has all the time in the world, the talent, the shots, and, most importantly, the control. You always feel that once he’s in, especially on a good pitch like today at Old Trafford, he’s going to score heavily. He handles both pace and spin remarkably well. We’ve seen him succeed in India, too—on turning pitches against quality spinners—something very few English batters manage. I have immense admiration for him. He now has 38 Test hundreds. That speaks volumes.
The only person ahead of Root now is Sachin Tendulkar? Can he realistically break the record?
David Gower: Sachin’s record is, of course, extraordinary—as was his career. But yes, I believe Root has a chance. It depends largely on how many Tests he gets to play over the next few years. He’s 34, and assuming he stays fit and hungry, he could easily play for another three to four years. He overtook Ricky Ponting’s tally. I imagine Ricky, sitting in the commentary box, took it with mixed emotions. I know what it’s like when someone breaks your record—it’s never entirely joyful. But over time, you accept it. Sachin’s mark is still quite far off, but with Joe’s fitness, love for batting, and sheer determination, it’s possible.
You mentioned that Root loves batting, but what is that one quality, or set of qualities, that sets him apart?
David Gower: That’s a great question. Over the past decade, we’ve had the Fab Four: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. What they all share is a deep love for scoring runs. They don’t get bored, they don’t lose concentration, and they absolutely hate getting out. With Joe, his rhythm rarely goes off. And when it’s on, he looks like he has more time than anyone else. That’s always the hallmark of great players. They make things look easy. Of course, mistakes happen—it takes just a split second—but Joe minimises risks and capitalises when he’s in. That’s the real difference.
Among the Fab Four—Kohli has now retired from Test cricket. Where would you place Root now?
David Gower: These rankings shift with time. Right now, I’d say Joe is on top. He’s been in excellent form, including on overseas tours to places like Pakistan and New Zealand. Kane is still a very special player. Steve Smith has had a dip but is working his way back with hundreds again. That says a lot about his character. But for me, at the moment, Joe stands out.
You played with Ian Botham and captained him. When you watch Ben Stokes, do you think the comparisons are merited?
David Gower: Ben (Stokes) and Ian (Botham) are both outstanding all-rounders—batting, bowling, fielding. Freddie Flintoff belongs in that conversation too. But what sets Ben apart is his captaincy. I say this with no disrespect to Ian or Andrew. Ian had incredible instincts, but his worldview was a bit limited in terms of how players should operate. Ben, on the other hand, has matured beautifully. He’s empathetic, understands his players, and supports them. He’s grown as a man through personal hardships—like the loss of his father and recurring injuries—and all that has shaped him into a deeply thoughtful and supportive captain. That arm around the shoulder, both literal and metaphorical, is what Ben does exceptionally well. And from experience, I can tell you that’s hard to do it consistently.
You led England to a famous Ashes win exactly 40 years ago. In the last decade or so, would you say that the India series has become the second-most important in the calendar?
David Gower: Absolutely. It reflects the strength of cricket in those nations. India, Australia, and England are the current powerhouses of Test cricket. Of course, New Zealand always punches above their weight and are a joy to watch. But, yes, India versus England has become a marquee contest. My only concern is the growing disparity between countries. Some simply don’t have the resources to field strong Test sides regularly. Ideally, we want Test cricket to thrive globally, not just in three or four nations. And when someone like Virat Kohli says Test cricket is the most important format to him—that’s the best kind of advertisement for the format’s survival.
Your thoughts on this young Indian side without the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
David Gower: They’ve competed brilliantly. The first three Tests went down to the wire. At Headingley, had they scored just a bit more, they could’ve batted England out of the match. England chased brilliantly, yes—but that could’ve been a win for India. At Edgbaston, India was superb. Lords was another gripping five-day contest. Honestly, India could easily have been 3-0 up. That’s not an exaggeration—it’s just how close the games have been. As we speak, they’re 2-1 down, and Old Trafford looks tilted in England’s favour, but it’s still a great series. Shubman Gill has been fantastic—over 600 runs already. He’s begun his captaincy on the right note, especially on overseas soil, which was a question mark before. KL Rahul is a joy to watch, and someone I hope scores even more. And Rishabh Pant—well, he’s completely unique.
Speaking of Pant, as one of the greatest left-handers yourself, what do you make of him?
David Gower: He’s brilliant and utterly unique. In my day, we thought we were innovative, but Pant brings T20-style audacity to Test cricket. And when it works, it’s magnificent. It’s important for Tests to be entertaining, and players like Pant, Harry Brook, Crawley—they help keep the format alive. Pant has this incredible ability to decide, mid-delivery, whether it’s going for six or being defended. That kind of control is extraordinary. His comeback from that car accident is remarkable, and what he’s done since then, especially with injury, is just brave and inspiring.
What went through your mind when you saw Pant coming out to bat with an injury?
David Gower: First thought—he’s been given a serious painkiller! But seriously, it was about buying into the team ethos. He knew India needed someone, and he stepped up. Even hobbling, he contributed, and that shows heart and commitment. It’s what makes Test cricket special—players putting their bodies on the line for the team.
Do you think Shubman Gill has put himself under pressure after what happened on Day 3 at Lord’s? That verbal altercation with Zak Crawley…
David Gower: Honestly, I don’t mind it. These moments add theatre to the game. The irony, of course, was Shubman himself spending seven minutes getting treatment on the field. These delays and face-offs are part of the modern game—as long as they don’t cross the line. In sport, especially international sport, confrontation is part of the intensity. It shows how much players care. So, I’m fine with it. I enjoy the competition.
Technically speaking, do you think teams should be allowed a substitute for external injuries, like we do for concussions?
David Gower: I understand the concussion rule—it’s serious, and rightly so. But I’m not yet convinced about subs for every injury. Rishabh’s injury came from a high-risk shot. It was unlucky, yes, but these things happen in sport.
That said, I’m open to listening to arguments for it.
Do you think you would have enjoyed playing in this Bazball-IPL era?
David Gower: Well, IPL didn’t exist in my time—30, 40 years ago! But yes, had I been 40 years younger, I’d have loved the chance. If they’re paying you well, and you enjoy the game, why not? Initially, I didn’t quite get T20—but over time, you appreciate the skill. The fielding, the hitting, the pace—it’s fantastic. I’ve worked on T20s around the world and really enjoyed them. So yes, I’d absolutely have given it a go.
Finally, your predictions on this Test match at Old Trafford…
David Gower: It’s England’s to win and India’s to save. It’s a good pitch. India have the batters to see it through, but if they slip up—even for an hour—England will pounce. Either way, it sets up the Oval Test beautifully. It’s been a brilliant series so far, and hopefully, it ends just as dramatically.
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Catch the full interview here
🚨David Gower Exclusive: “Joe Root Can Break Sachin’s Record” | Big Praise for Shubman
In an exclusive interview with @debasissen, former England captain David Gower backs Joe Root to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test runs record.
Gower also speaks highly of Shubman… pic.twitter.com/heO3l8sxFU
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 26, 2025