The Ultimate Battle: Virat Kohli vs Bowlers Across the Field
The codename of India's ace batsman, Virat Kohli, is almost mythical in the cricketing world. His prowess in all formats of the game speaks volumes, but just how effective have the bowlers been in denying him runs? This article delves into the bowlers who have dismissed Virat Kohli the most times in both Test and limited-overs formats, with a special spotlight on the IPL.
James Anderson: The Test Match Superstar
Unmatched in Test Cricket
As of August 2023, the bowler who has dismissed Virat Kohli the most in international cricket is none other than James Anderson. Being a fast bowler for England, Anderson has a rich history of taunting Kohli off the field with his deliveries. They have squared off in numerous Test matches, making their battles memorable and often significant.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Eagle in the ODI Skies
ODI Remains Unquerable
Picking up 79 wickets in 52 ODIs, Jasprit Bumrah is a household name for Kohli's travails. His remarkable statistical performance includes not just wickets but a commendable economy rate of less than five runs per over. He is the sole fast bowler to achieve such a feat against Kohli's team.
Sandeep Sharma: The Unsung Hero
The Unsung Viral Star
Perhaps the most interesting case of Kohli versus a bowler phenomenon is Sandeep Sharma. He has dismissed Kohli a remarkable 7 times, more than anyone else in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sandeep's ability to move the ball and vary his pace is his key strength, and he has faced significant challenges from Kohli. In 12 innings, apart from dismissing Kohli, Sandeep has allowed the batsman to score just 68 runs. With 23 wickets, he also became the leading wicket-taker against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.
Special Mentions and Varied Performances
Adma Zampa: The ODI Specialist
Adma Zampa has dismissed Kohli six times in ODIs, making him a significant player in Kohli's downfall. However, it is James Anderson who stands out in Test matches, dismissing Kohli more than any other bowler.
Conclusion: A Constant Chase for Run Alfresco
The pursuit of mathematical superiority in the game of cricket is never-ending. The bowlers who have dismissed Virat Kohli the most times highlight the constant chase for runs both in and out of the field. Whether it is the fiery pace of Jasprit Bumrah, the relentless accuracy of Sandeep Sharma, or the historic achievements of James Anderson, the game keeps evolving, raising the bar for every player, including the best in the world.
Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on the dynamic nature of international cricket.