‘Can’t think of a better player…’ - James Anderson lauds long term adversary Virat Kohli’s batting talents

Former England pacer James Anderson has praised Virat Kohli during his recent appearance on a podcast. The two players had a very storied rivalry for nearly a decade. James Anderson had recently retired after the 1st Test vs West Indies with 704 Test wickets to his name. 

The former pace ace has dismissed Virat Kohli on numerous occasions most notably during the 2014 India tour of England. Speaking in the Tailender Podcast, Anderson said, “I do not know if there is been a better batter in the history of the game batting second and chasing down scores than Virat Kohli.”

James Anderson made his debut in 2003 versus Zimbabwe at Lords and played across formats for 21 years. The former pace sensation is the only fast bowler to have picked over 700 wickets and finished as the 3rd best wicket-taker of all time in Test cricket. 

James Anderson praises Virat Kohli in podcast 

During his appearance in the Tailenders Podcast, Virat Kohli was praised wholeheartedly by former rival James Anderson. The former England pacer also said, “His record at chasing is absolutely phenomenal. The number of hundreds he has scored in the second innings, chasing down scores is ridiculous.”

Further speaking about Virat Kohli the former pacer said, “It is no surprise that when he gets in that situation, with his mentality, it is just like it is meant to be. His self-belief is so high.” 

When asked to name the best player in the white ball format, James Anderson said, “I cannot say that. I was thinking more in terms of just chasing. Michael Bevan from Australia comes to my mind, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s – he was just phenomenal coming in at number six and doing that job.”

“Kohli batting at number 3 gets those hundreds while Bevan was renowned for getting his 50s, 60s and being at the end, while Kohli gets the big score, to get his teams over the line. I honestly can’t think of a better finisher and greater white-ball players than him (Kohli),” James Anderson said further. 

Virat Kohli is currently on a break having played in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The next assignment for the Indian batting star is the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Virat Kohli will be in focus during the tour of Australia starting in November.