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'I Used to Copy Your Bowling Action': Virat Kohli Shares His Fanboy Moment For James Anderson

Virat Kohli and James Anderson sharing a friendly talk during an India England test game (X)Virat Kohli and James Anderson sharing a friendly talk during an India England test game (X)

Virat Kohli shares one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket with James Anderson. The two have clashed on the pitch numerous times, and their battles spanned 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021 amd 2022, which resulted in unforgettable duels.

Kohli and Anderson first faced each other in 2014, with Anderson getting the better of Virat Kohli, dismissing him five times in 10 Tests. In 2016, the tables turned as Kohli dominated Anderson during a five-Test series in India. 

By 2018, Kohli had a remarkable year, scoring nearly 700 runs without getting out to Anderson. In 2021, James Anderson managed to dismiss Kohli twice in a series that ended in a 2-2 draw. 

The recent five-Test series between India and England was expected to be the final chapter of their rivalry, but Virat's didn't play the series as he was taking a break.


Watch: Kohli on friendship Anderson

Virat Kohli recalled a memorable incident during a Test match at Southampton when he was batting against Anderson. Kohli approached Anderson and remarked that their long-standing rivalry had come to an end. This relaxed Anderson, allowing for a conversation between the two. 

Kohli later revealed that he used to imitate Anderson's bowling action when he was younger. At the time Anderson made his debut, Kohli was a teenager at a cricket academy and aspired to bowl with pace like him.

Anderson was surprised to hear this and asked, "Seriously?" To which Kohli responded, "Yes."

With Anderson's retirement, one of the greatest rivalries of the modern era comes to an end. As Kohli mentioned, it's now part of history. Fans can cherish the memorable moments shared between these two cricket greats.