Joe Root continues to redefine modern Test cricket. The England talisman, now the second-highest run-scorer in the format, is just 2,235 runs away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for most Test runs. With his century against Australia in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane—his first Test hundred vs Australia in 12 years—the debate over whether Root can surpass Tendulkar has intensified.

However, even before he gets close to Sachin’s monumental benchmark, Root has already achieved several records that the Indian legend did not during his illustrious 24-year Test career. Here are three major Test records Root holds which Sachin never achieved:

🏏 1. Most Consecutive Tests With Fifty-Plus Scores

Consistency in the longest format is incredibly rare—and both players were masters of it.

• Sachin Tendulkar: Scored 50+ runs in 10 consecutive Tests (Dec 2009–Oct 2010).
• Joe Root: Broke the world record with 12 consecutive Tests scoring 50 or more (Oct 2016–Aug 2017).

Root’s run wasn’t just consistent—it was dominant. During this period, he was the world’s most prolific Test batter, showcasing reliability across home and away conditions.

🏏 2. A Century in Each Innings of a Test Match

Despite scoring 51 Test centuries, Sachin never managed a hundred in each innings of a Test—one of cricket’s rarest feats.

Joe Root, however, accomplished this milestone:

• 143 & 103 vs Sri Lanka, Lord’s (August 2024)

Scoring twin centuries requires flawless technique, stamina, and adaptability across changing pitch conditions—Root ticked all the boxes.

🏏 3. Most Catches in Test History (Non-Wicketkeeper)

Sachin Tendulkar finished with:

• 115 catches in 200 Tests.

Joe Root has transformed close-in fielding—especially at slip—into an art form and currently leads the all-time list:

• 213 catches, the highest in Test cricket’s history.

This record is a testament to Root’s impeccable reflexes, anticipation, and consistency over more than a decade.

🌟 Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: A Legacy Comparison

While Root is closing in on Tendulkar’s record tally of 15,921 Test runs, the two batters belong to different eras, conditions, and team dynamics. What they share is rare: longevity, elite temperament, and unmatched impact.

Whether Root eventually becomes Test cricket’s highest run-scorer remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that he has already carved out a unique place in cricketing history—achieving feats even Sachin did not.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has reportedly not registered for the IPL 2026 player auction, making him unlikely to feature in the next edition of the league. The development comes as a surprise to many, given that Maxwell was expected to be one of the most sought-after names in the all-rounder category this season.

According to an ESPNCricinfo report, Maxwell’s name was missing from the list of 1,355 registered players, which includes marquee names such as Cameron Green, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Liam Livingstone, and Jamie Smith. Despite modest performances in recent IPL seasons, Maxwell’s explosive batting and all-round value meant he was anticipated to attract strong interest from multiple franchises.

Maxwell Among Four Big Stars to Skip IPL Auction

Maxwell is one of four prominent players to withdraw from the IPL 2026 auction. The others include:

• Faf du Plessis – set to feature in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
• Moeen Ali – also committed to the 11th edition of PSL
• Andre Russell – recently retired from IPL duties after being appointed Power Coach for Kolkata Knight Riders

The PSL’s schedule clashes with IPL 2026, explaining several overlapping withdrawals.

Punjab Kings Released Maxwell Ahead of IPL 2026

The Punjab Kings released Maxwell before the deadline last month. He was bought for ₹4.2 crore at the previous mega auction but struggled with injuries and form. His season was cut short due to a fitness issue, and Australian all-rounder Mitch Owen replaced him—later earning a retention spot with the franchise.

At 37, Maxwell’s long-term availability and fitness have been questioned, and his decision not to register may indicate a shift in his T20 career priorities.

Impact on the All-Rounder Market

Maxwell’s absence opens the door for several high-impact all-rounders who can now command higher bids. Players expected to benefit include:

• Cameron Green
• Liam Livingstone
• Delano Potgieter
• Sikandar Raza
• Jason Holder

With multiple franchises needing middle-order power hitters and spin-bowling options, prices in this category may spike.

Only Two Indians Register at the Highest Base Price

For IPL 2026, only two Indian players have registered at the ₹2 crore base price bracket among 45 players:

1. Venkatesh Iyer

• Released by Kolkata Knight Riders, who bought him for a massive ₹23.75 crore
• A proven IPL performer
• Expected to attract aggressive bidding
• KKR, with the largest purse, may attempt to reacquire him

2. Ravi Bishnoi

• Released by Lucknow Super Giants, who retained him previously for ₹11 crore
• Form particularly declined in recent seasons
• Seen as the top Indian spin option in this auction
• Likely suitors include Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings

What Maxwell’s Absence Means for IPL 2026

Maxwell skipping the auction could have multiple implications:

• Punjab Kings lose access to a proven match-winner
• All-rounder demand skyrockets
• Teams may shift strategies toward younger, long-term options
• Auction dynamics may shift as several international stars prioritize other leagues

If Maxwell decides to step away permanently, the IPL will lose one of its most electrifying entertainers, known for game-changing knocks and dynamic fielding.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 edition is set for a landmark season as organisers introduce a refreshed schedule, new venue dynamics, and the league’s first weekday final. Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will kick off the tournament against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on January 9, marking the start of a 28-day cricket spectacle stretched across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

For the first time in WPL history, the grand finale will be held on a Thursday (February 5) — a deliberate move aimed at improving viewership and avoiding clashes with major international fixtures scheduled later that week.

Two Venues, Strategic Scheduling

The tournament will be played exclusively at two grounds:

📍 DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

• Hosts the first 11 matches, including the two Saturday double-headers.
• The venue recently witnessed India’s historic ODI World Cup victory over South Africa, adding to its prestige.

📍 Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

• Hosts the remaining matches, including the Eliminator (Feb 3) and the Final (Feb 5).
• Marks the first time Kotambi will stage a WPL final, signalling the league’s expansion beyond traditional centres.

WPL Chairman Jayesh George confirmed that, except for the first game on double-header days, all matches will be evening fixtures, ensuring peak prime-time viewership.

Why January–February?

Unlike previous seasons, typically held close to IPL dates, WPL 2026 moves into the January–February window.
This shift ensures:

• No overlap with major international women’s fixtures
• Full availability of marquee overseas players
• Stable scheduling before the men’s U19 World Cup (concludes Feb 6)
• Avoidance of the men’s T20 World Cup (begins Feb 7)

This makes WPL 2026 one of the best-positioned seasons in terms of global cricket calendar compatibility.

Teams Eyeing Redemption and Glory

• Mumbai Indians, winners in 2023 and 2025, aim for a third title in four seasons.
• Delhi Capitals, runners-up in all three editions since the league’s inception, will push to break their final-jinx.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue searching for their first WPL trophy despite strong squads.
• UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants are yet to reach a final and will aim for improved consistency.

With several teams strengthening their cores in auctions, WPL 2026 promises to be the most competitive season yet.

📅 Full WPL 2026 Schedule