‘Virat Kohli tougher than Sachin Tendulkar': James Anderson names his hardest opponent from fab four
James Anderson and Virat Kohli
In a candid chat on the TalkSport podcast, England pace legend James Anderson reflected on his legendary battles with some of modern cricket's finest, naming
Virat Kohli
as the toughest batter he has faced among the celebrated Fab Four.
'I have found it more difficult to bowl to
Kohli
than even
Sachin Tendulkar
,' Anderson said, underlining the intensity and challenge Kohli brought to the crease. The comparison carries weight, given Anderson's long-standing duel with Tendulkar and dominance over top-tier batters across eras.
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Kohli and Anderson's rivalry was one of the highlights of recent India-England Test encounters. Across 36 innings, Kohli scored 305 runs off Anderson at an average of 43.57, with the England seamer dismissing him 7 times.
Their duels were intense but often marked by mutual respect and strategic adjustments on both ends.
Kuldeep Yadav hints at spin-friendly wicket ahead of England Test series
Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in May 2025 ahead of India's tour of England, ended with 9,230 runs in 122 Tests — just 770 short of the coveted 10,000-run milestone. While fans debated the timing of his exit, tributes from former opponents like Anderson have only reaffirmed Kohli's impact on the longest format.
Quiz:
Who's that IPL player?
For Anderson to place Kohli above even the great Tendulkar speaks volumes, not just of Kohli's technical prowess, but of his resilience and evolution as a top-order giant under pressure.
India's 2025 Test tour of England begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, and marks the start of a new World Test Championship cycle.
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