James Anderson Crowns Virat Kohli as His Toughest Opponent Over Sachin Tendulkar
In a riveting revelation that has set the cricket world abuzz, England’s pace maestro James Anderson has named Virat Kohli as the toughest batter he has ever faced, even surpassing the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. Speaking on the TalkSport podcast, Anderson opened up about his storied rivalries with some of modern cricket’s greatest talents, particularly those within the celebrated Fab Four—Kohli, Tendulkar, Steve Smith, and Joe Root.
“I’ve found it more difficult to bowl to Kohli than even Sachin Tendulkar,” Anderson admitted with a tone of admiration. This statement carries immense weight, considering Anderson’s illustrious career spanning two decades, during which he has scalped 704 Test wickets, making him the most successful fast bowler in the format’s history. His duels with Tendulkar, often dubbed the ‘Little Master,’ were legendary, yet it’s Kohli’s unrelenting intensity and adaptability that left a deeper mark on the veteran seamer.
The Kohli-Anderson rivalry has been a marquee feature of India-England Test encounters over the past decade. Across 36 innings, Kohli amassed 305 runs off Anderson at a commendable average of 43.57, while the Englishman managed to dismiss him 7 times. Each encounter was a chess match—Kohli’s aggressive stroke play and steely resolve pitted against Anderson’s cunning swing and unrelenting accuracy. Their battles, often fought under the intense glare of sold-out crowds at venues like Lord’s and Eden Gardens, were marked by mutual respect and strategic brilliance.
Anderson’s reflections come in the wake of Kohli’s recent retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, just ahead of India’s much-anticipated tour of England. Kohli hung up his boots with a staggering 9,230 runs in 122 Tests, falling just 770 runs short of the coveted 10,000-run milestone—a feat achieved by only a handful of cricketing greats. His decision sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning the timing of his exit. However, tributes from peers and adversaries alike, including Anderson, underscore the indelible impact Kohli has had on the longest format of the game.
For Anderson to rank Kohli above Tendulkar speaks volumes about the former Indian captain’s evolution into a top-order titan. While Tendulkar’s technique was often described as flawless, Kohli brought a unique blend of technical prowess and mental fortitude to the crease, thriving under pressure and often turning the tide in India’s favor during critical matches. His record against England, including a memorable 149 at Edgbaston in 2018, remains etched in cricketing lore as a testament to his resilience.
As the cricket fraternity looks ahead, India’s 2025 Test tour of England looms large on the horizon, kicking off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. This series marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle, and while Kohli’s absence will be keenly felt, Anderson’s words serve as a reminder of the legacy he leaves behind. The stage is set for new heroes to emerge, but the echoes of Kohli’s duels with Anderson will resonate for years to come.
In a sport defined by rivalries, Anderson’s candid assessment elevates Kohli’s stature even further. It’s a fitting tribute to a batter who redefined excellence and a bowler who pushed the boundaries of his craft. As fans, we can only marvel at the battles that shaped an era and look forward to more such epic contests in the future.