James Anderson speaks about bowling to Virat Kohli

England’s legendary fast bowler, James Anderson, recently reflected on his experiences bowling to two of India’s finest batters — Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Known for his skill, longevity, and ability to outthink even the best in the game, Anderson faced both icons across different eras and left a lasting mark in their battles. The veteran pacer, who called time on his Test career in 2024, dismissed Kohli seven times in red-ball cricket — more than any other bowler — becoming somewhat of a nemesis for the modern-day maestro during key England-India clashes.

James Anderson rates Virat Kohli as the best amongst the Fab Four

Anderson also enjoyed similar success against the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, having removed him on nine occasions in Tests — again, the most by any bowler. These remarkable stats highlight not just Anderson’s consistency and adaptability but also his ability to challenge and dominate two different generations of Indian batting excellence. His duels with Tendulkar were often a masterclass in patience and precision, while his contests with Kohli brought out fiery exchanges and tactical brilliance. As he enters retirement, Anderson’s legacy is further cemented by his impressive records against two of cricket’s greatest batters, reflecting his enduring impact on the sport’s longest format.

James Anderson’s battles with Virat Kohli have been among the most talked-about duels in modern Test cricket, particularly during the 2014 series in England. At that point, Kohli was still in the early stages of his Test career and had yet to cement his place as a dominant red-ball batter. The tour turned out to be a major challenge for the Indian star, who struggled to adapt to the swinging conditions and relentless line-and-length from Anderson.

Across the five-match series, Kohli could only manage 134 runs at a disappointing average, failing to reach even a single half-century. Anderson, with his mastery of swing and control outside the off stump, repeatedly exposed Kohli’s vulnerability to deliveries that moved away late. The England pacer dismissed Kohli four times in that series alone, setting the tone for a rivalry that would become one of the most anticipated in world cricket. The 2014 series not only highlighted Anderson’s brilliance but also marked a crucial learning curve for Kohli, who later returned stronger. However, that initial contest remains a defining moment in their head-to-head record, showcasing Anderson’s ability to dominate even the most talented batters when conditions suit his style of bowling.

"I had some success early against Kohli the first time he came to England (2014). I really exploited his weakness outside off stump and then the next time I played against him (in 2018), he had obviously gone away and worked on that — it was like bowling to a different player," stated former England cricketer James Anderson.

England vs India 2018 Test series saw a dramatic turnaround in Virat Kohli’s fortunes compared to his struggles in 2014. This time, the Indian skipper was in sublime form, amassing a staggering 697 runs across the five matches. His impressive tally included two commanding centuries and three well-crafted half-centuries, making him the leading run-scorer of the series by a considerable margin. Kohli looked far more composed and confident at the crease, having clearly worked on the flaws that had troubled him in his previous tour.

What made the performance even more remarkable was the fact that James Anderson, who had tormented Kohli four years earlier, failed to dismiss him even once throughout the series. Despite bowling with accuracy and control, Anderson couldn’t break through Kohli’s solid defense and improved shot selection. The 2018 series thus marked a redemption arc for Kohli and showcased his growth as a world-class Test batter.

"He’d taken his game to a different level. He made it very difficult, not just for me, but for bowlers in general. I think I got him out four or five times in the first series, and then I didn’t get him out in the next series at all," Anderson added. 

James Anderson shared a different perspective when reflecting on his experience of bowling to Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Unlike his early battles with Virat Kohli, Anderson first faced Tendulkar at a time when the Indian maestro had already cemented his place as a global cricketing icon. The challenge, therefore, was of a completely different magnitude. Anderson often spoke about the awe and respect he had for Tendulkar, who was already a dominant figure in world cricket when their paths crossed. Bowling to someone of Tendulkar’s stature required not only skill but also immense mental strength, as the margin for error was minimal.

In a historic move, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently announced the rebranding of the prestigious Pataudi Trophy. The iconic series, traditionally contested between India and England, will now be known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This change has been made to honour two of the finest cricketers the game has seen—England's highest Test wicket-taker James Anderson and India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. The newly renamed trophy will debut in the upcoming five-match Test series between the two nations, beginning on June 20, symbolising the legacy of both greats in the red-ball format.