England’s star batter Joe Root once again proved to be a nightmare for Indian bowlers during the fifth Test match of the series. With a blistering 105-run knock, Root powered England’s chase and stitched a crucial 195-run partnership with Harry Brook, turning the tide in England’s favor.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes it’s Root’s mindset and technique that set him apart. Speaking on Sony Sports Network, Gavaskar said,

“This is what separates a man from a boy. His thinking is next level. He’s playing like a champion. He plays good deliveries with confidence and puts even slightly loose balls away with ease.”

Gavaskar also highlighted:

• Root’s ability to dominate both spinners and pacers

• His consistent footwork, even on turning Indian pitches

• Centuries in India, where many struggle, speak volumes about his skill

Criticism about not scoring a century in Australia doesn’t hold much weight, Gavaskar added.

“If you can score multiple centuries in India, it shows the class of the player.”

• Matches: 158

• Runs: 13,543

• Average: 51.29

• Centuries: 39

• Half-Centuries: 66

• Best Score: 262

In India, he’s scored:

• 1272 runs in 15 matches

• Average: 45.42

• Centuries in India: 3

In England, he’s dominant with:

• 7329 runs in 84 matches

• Average: 55.52

• Centuries in England: 24

In the current five-match Test series:

• Runs scored: 537

• Average: 67.12

• Centuries: 3

• Half-centuries: 1

• Series rank: Second-highest run scorer