IND vs ENG: From Rahul Dravid to Ricky Ponting - The icons Joe Root might surpass in this series

As England gears up for their upcoming five-match Test series against India starting June 20, Joe Root stands on the verge of multiple milestones. The English batting star, currently with 13,006 runs in 153 Tests, is pursuing Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 15,921 runs, though realistically, Australia great Ricky Ponting's 13,378 is the achievable target.

Root will also have the opportunity to surpass Rahul Dravid's highest batting average in India-England matches.Root's current Test statistics showcase his excellence with an average of 50.80, including 36 centuries and 65 fifties, with a highest score of 262. He ranks as England's highest run-scorer and stands fifth overall in Test cricket.A modest series score of 373 runs would elevate Root past Ricky Ponting's tally of 13,378 runs, making him the second-highest run-getter in Test cricket history.

Root's record against India is particularly impressive, accumulating 2,846 runs in 30 Tests at an average of 58.08, with 10 centuries and 11 fifties. His highest score against India stands at 218.

In home conditions facing India, Root's performance becomes even more remarkable. He averages 74.95, scoring 1,574 runs in 15 Tests and 25 innings, with seven centuries and five fifties, including an unbeaten 180.Among players with at least 1,500 runs in India-England matches, Root holds the second-highest average of 58.55, trailing only Dravid's 60.93.

A few centuries in the upcoming series could push Root past this benchmark.

Root's recent form in the World Test Championship (WTC) has been exceptional. He scored 1,968 runs in 22 Tests during the previous cycle, maintaining an average of 54.66 with seven centuries and seven fifties.The English batsman is also approaching another milestone in the WTC, potentially becoming the first player to reach 6,000 runs. He currently leads the charts with 5,543 runs in 64 matches, averaging 51.80 with 18 centuries and 21 fifties in 117 innings.The Test series will commence on June 20 at Leeds, where Root will have the opportunity to pursue these significant achievements.