"Sachin for me as a kid growing"- Joe Root reveals his childhood hero at the start of his career

Sachin Tendulkar needs no introduction to the game of cricket. He is arguably the best all-format batter that has ever stepped on the cricket field. The record suggests that Sachin was the best player that India has given to the game.

He has inspired many generations, not just in India but worldwide. Former England skipper Joe Root was one of those cricketers who got inspired by the Indian "Master Blaster." Root also lauded the incredible career of Sachin, which spans over two decades.

Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest in the game, and is the only played with 100 international runs and over 34000 runs combined in Tests and ODIs. And there are a number of active players who also look up to Tendulkar. In an interaction with Zee ahead of the first game of the inaugural season of the DP WORLD ILT20, Root revealed his admiration for the Indian legend.

The first game of the ILT will see the Dubai Capitals take on the Abu Dhabi Kings at the Dubai Cricket Stadium on Friday, January 13. Root is part of the Dubai Capitals franchise and will look to use his experience in the T20 leagues.

Root said, "There are some wonderful players currently playing but look at what Sachin has achieved. It’s just remarkable really, the longevity. He made his debut before I was born and played in my debut, and it just shows how and what he was for Indian Cricket for such a long period of time."

Furthermore, the former English skipper said that he was inspired by Sachin because of how he made his debut at a young age and carried the weight of expectation for over 20 years. He added that Sachin was the one whom he looked up to in his early days, and without a doubt the Indian legend has given a lot to the Indian team and also to world cricket.