Virat Kohli has faced some of the world’s best bowlers for over 15 years now, and his battles at the crease have become the stuff of legend. The Indian batting icon has taken on every major name in the cricketing world.
But in a recent conversation, Kohli peeled back the curtain to reveal which bowlers truly tested his skills the most -- across formats. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli named the bowlers who have challenged him the most in Tests, ODIs and T20s.
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Who are the toughest bowlers Virat Kohli has faced across formats?
When asked about the hardest bowler he has faced in Test cricket, Kohli didn’t hesitate. “James Anderson in England was by far the toughest (I have faced in Test cricket),” Kohli said in the clip.
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Kohli’s 2014 England tour is often referenced when discussing his growth as a batter. He struggled then but returned in 2018 with a stunning series -- turning that weakness into strength.
In ODIs, Kohli credited two very different kinds of bowlers: pace legend Lasith Malinga and England’s Adil Rashid. Malinga’s slingy action and pinpoint yorkers made life difficult and Rashid’s variation in the middle overs left little room for error.
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In T20s, it was Sunil Narine who stood out for Kohli. The mystery spinner has long been a challenge for even the best in the game.
Virat Kohli Talking About Thoughest Bowler He Faced Across Formats!♥️
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Despite never winning an IPL trophy, Kohli remains committed to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise. His bond with the franchise goes beyond titles.
“The love that I have received from the fans, I do not think any silverware or any trophy can come close to that,” he said.