England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson has recently offered insights into his experiences bowling to two of India's greatest batsmen, Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, sparking considerable debate and analysis within the cricketing world.

Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in Test history, has dismissed Tendulkar nine times and Kohli seven times in his illustrious career. Despite the numbers, Anderson revealed that he found Kohli a more difficult batsman to bowl to, particularly highlighting a period where he felt a significant "shift in dominance."

Speaking on a podcast, Anderson recalled Kohli's first Test tour of England in 2014. During this series, Anderson identified and exploited a weakness in Kohli's technique against deliveries outside off-stump. This vulnerability led to Kohli's struggles and Anderson dismissing him multiple times. However, Anderson emphasized that Kohli demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. In subsequent encounters, Kohli had clearly worked on nullifying this weakness, transforming himself into a different, much more formidable player. Anderson acknowledged Kohli's steely mindset, his competitive spirit, and his determination to engage in a battle on the field, making him a challenging opponent after that initial success.

In contrast, Anderson suggested that his battles with Sachin Tendulkar were different. He expressed that he didn't sense the same kind of "shift in dominance" against Tendulkar. Anderson also noted that he played against Tendulkar when the Indian maestro had already reached legendary status, which made the contest a different dynamic compared to his face-offs against Kohli.

Anderson also highlighted the contrasting personalities of the two batsmen. He described Tendulkar as mild-mannered and calm at the crease, while Kohli was more expressive with his emotions, wearing them on his sleeve. This difference in demeanor also shaped their interactions on the field, with Anderson admitting to having more verbal altercations with Kohli than with Tendulkar. He mentioned trying not to say too much to Tendulkar, acknowledging his "God-like presence" and the incredible respect he commanded in India.

Several cricket analysts have weighed in on Anderson's comments. Some point out that Kohli's vulnerability outside off-stump has been a recurring theme throughout his career, with bowlers consistently targeting that area. Others highlight Kohli's exceptional ability to learn and adapt, noting how he has consistently worked to address his weaknesses and evolve his game.

Sunil Gavaskar has, in the past, advised Kohli to take a page out of Sachin Tendulkar's book. Citing an instance where Tendulkar refrained from playing shots outside the off-stump in a Sydney Test to avoid getting caught in the slips or covers, Gavaskar suggested Kohli could similarly curb his natural instincts early in his innings to minimize the risk of falling to that trap.

Kohli, who made his international debut in 2008, has amassed impressive statistics across all formats of the game. As of June 2025, he has played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs, with 1,027 fours and 30 sixes. In ODIs, he has played 302 matches, scoring 14,181 runs, including 1,325 fours and 152 sixes. He also holds the 4th position in the ICC ODI batting rankings with 736 points.

While Anderson's comments have sparked debate about Kohli's perceived weaknesses, they also serve as a testament to Kohli's incredible journey and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His ability to overcome challenges and evolve his game has solidified his place among the modern greats of cricket.