Joe Root is "far ahead" of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, according to an ex-BCCI selector.

Joe Root became the 14th player to achieve 10,000 Test runs recently, and former selector Saba Karim believes he has left the rest of the Fab Four in the dust.

Joe Root is the talk of the cricket world right now after becoming the 14th hitter in Test history to score over 10,000 runs. During a match-winning century against New Zealand at Lord's on Sunday, he became only the second England batsman after Alastair Cook to reach 10,000 Test runs. With more than a day to spare, the 31-year-old Yorkshireman's calm 115 not-out lifted England from 69 for four to a target of 277 and a five-wicket triumph against the World Test champions.

According to former BCCI selector Saba Karim, Root's performance has elevated him "above everyone" among the 'Fab Four' of modern-day cricket, which includes Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson.

"He has made significant progress. When it comes to England's batting, only Joe Root's name keeps popping up. It indicates Joe Root isn't getting any help from the other side. When it comes to India, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant, among others, are always there to support Virat Kohli. That is also the case in New Zealand and Australia. Root has won England matches on his own, even in hostile environments including as India and Sri Lanka "In an interview with India News Sports, Karim stated.

"In the previous two years, Joe Root has significantly outpaced the other three hitters. Whether we're talking about consistency, technique, or attitude, Joe Root now has the upper hand in all of these areas."

Karim was particularly pleased by Root's century against New Zealand, which came in the fourth innings.
"It's never simple to put up a large number of runs in the fourth inning. That, too, against a side with a formidable bowling assault. Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Colin de Grandhomme...there are so many talented bowlers in New Zealand. If a batter is hitting well in the fourth inning, it indicates that he is both technically and mentally strong "he stated

Root's current Test batting average is well near 50, the record of an all-time great, with only the retiring Cook's 33 centuries at this level surpassing his 26.