Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s modern greats, has faced the world’s best bowlers across all formats. In a candid and unfiltered revelation ahead of a key IPL 2025 clash, Kohli named the bowlers who have challenged him the most in his illustrious career. His picks span legendary pacers and mystery spinners, reflecting the diversity and intensity of his cricketing battles.
Kohli’s Toughest Bowlers Across Formats
Test Cricket: James Anderson
Kohli singled out England’s James Anderson as the toughest bowler he has faced in Test cricket, especially in English conditions. Kohli described his duels with Anderson as the most challenging of his career, highlighting Anderson’s skill, consistency, and ability to exploit English swing and seam. Anderson has dismissed Kohli seven times in Tests, underlining the intensity of their rivalry.
One Day Internationals (ODIs): Lasith Malinga & Adil Rashid
For ODIs, Kohli named Sri Lankan pace legend Lasith Malinga as the most difficult bowler he has confronted, citing Malinga’s unique action and deadly yorkers. Kohli also gave a special mention to England’s Adil Rashid, calling him the toughest spinner he has faced in the 50-over format. Rashid’s variations and ability to deceive batsmen have consistently troubled Kohli, who admitted he often struggled to pick the English leg-spinner.
T20 Cricket: Sunil Narine
In T20s, Kohli picked Kolkata Knight Riders’ mystery spinner Sunil Narine as the toughest bowler he has faced. Kohli openly admitted, “I still can’t pick him after 15 years.” Narine’s unpredictable spin and subtle changes in pace have made him a persistent challenge for Kohli, who has been dismissed by Narine four times in the shortest format.
Kohli’s Quotes
“In Test cricket, James Anderson in England was by far the toughest. Facing him in those conditions was the hardest part of my career.”
“In ODIs, Malinga was pretty good. He was difficult to face. Adil Rashid is very good, probably the toughest spinner I have faced in ODIs.”
“In T20 cricket, Sunil Narine, for a consistent amount of time-fifteen years-he’s still very difficult to pick. I can’t pick him.”
FAQs
Q1: Who is the toughest bowler Virat Kohli has faced in Test cricket?
James Anderson, especially in English conditions, is the toughest Test bowler according to Kohli.
Q2: Which bowlers has Kohli found most challenging in ODIs?
Lasith Malinga is the toughest pacer, while Adil Rashid is the toughest spinner Kohli has faced in ODIs.
Q3: Who is Kohli’s toughest opponent in T20 cricket?
Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders is the bowler Kohli finds hardest to pick in T20s.
Q4: How many times has Anderson dismissed Kohli in Tests?
James Anderson has dismissed Virat Kohli seven times in Test matches.
Q5: What makes Sunil Narine so difficult for Kohli in T20s?
Narine’s mystery spin, subtle variations, and consistency have made him exceptionally hard for Kohli to read, even after 15 years.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s honest admission of the toughest bowlers he has faced offers a rare insight into the mind of a cricketing legend. From Anderson’s swing in England to Narine’s spin in T20s, these bowlers have tested Kohli’s technique and temperament at the highest level. His revelations not only highlight the skill of these world-class bowlers but also the respect Kohli holds for his fiercest opponents.