‘The battles we had…’ WATCH: James Anderson reacts to Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket

Former England cricketer James Anderson was recently a guest on TalkSport, where he spoke about Virat Kohli’s retirement. The 42-year-old recalled his various battles with the former Indian skipper in the past decade. Anderson has dismissed Kohli on seven occasions and shares the top spot with Australian spinner Nathan Lyon. It is to be noted that Anderson retired last July after becoming the best seamer in Test cricket history with over 700 wickets. 

Speaking on TalkSport, Anderson said, “His (Kohli's) ability to adapt to different conditions – he tinkers with his technique all the time and sort of gets ready for everything that’s thrown at him. But I think the fiercest competitor is definitely Kohli. The battles we have had were incredible.”

The former English pacer also added, “He is the sort of guy you wanted to get into battle on the field because he really stood his ground and is obviously a fantastic player as well.” Kohli and Anderson first crossed paths in 2014, when the English pacer got the better of India’s batting sensation on a few occasions. 

✅ "The fiercest competitor out of those 4 is definitely Kohli."

💪 "The battles we had were incredible. He really stood his ground & a fantastic player."

Jimmy Anderson pays tribute to Virat Kohli after his retirement from Test Cricket 🏏

📺 WATCH: https://t.co/BSsp9pjfyPpic.twitter.com/U3gvXKAucs

— talkSPORT Cricket (@Cricket_TS) May 13, 2025

Virat Kohli got his measure of revenge in the 2016 home series and the 2018 England tour. The final battle between the two players was when India toured England in 2021. Kohli wasn’t part of the 2024 home series, which was the final time Anderson played in India. 

‘India is going to tough challenge’ – James Anderson on upcoming series

The former English pace bowling great was also asked to give his views on the upcoming tour of India starting in June. England also tour Australia later this year for the Ashes and this is the first time that Anderson won’t be part of either series. 

Anderson, in his chat on TalkSport, said, “It's a huge year with the Ashes coming, but it is important to get some momentum going. If I'm being honest, looking back at my career, that happened too much where, 18 months out from an Ashes, the management and even the players started to look towards that and actually forget what's in front of you. India is going to be such a tough challenge even at home. They are a strong side.”

The 42-year-old also said that there will be massive shoes to fill for India ahead of the upcoming tour. “There will be a new captain because Rohit Sharma has retired. Kohli, one of the greatest Test batters that's ever been. There are big shoes to fill there, but they've got a huge amount of talent in their squad. You just have to watch the IPL. They are bringing players into Test cricket from the IPL now who are just so attacking, aggressive, and fearless.”