James Anderson Speaks Out About His Struggles With Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar

English fast bowler James Anderson recently gave some profound observations regarding bowling to two of India's all-time greats Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. The pacer has played both cricketing legends at various stages of his career and has sent both of them back into the pavilion several times. He bowled out Sachin nine times and dismissed Virat seven times. But in selecting the player who was toughest to bowl to Anderson favored Virat Kohli over Sachin Tendulkar. In his view the struggles against Virat were greater and tougher particularly after their initial match in 2014 when he enjoyed early success.

In 2014 Virat Kohli struggled in England and Anderson was able to exploit an obvious weakness outside the off-stump. This favored team England during that specific series as Virat was not his usual type. But Anderson witnessed a huge difference in Virat's game the following time they played against each other. Virat practiced on that weakness and returned stronger with more complete and concentrated batted whose technique was stronger and control better and so was the confidence level. Anderson opined that Virat's transformation made it extremely difficult for him and other bowlers to get him out. The Indian batsman had converted his weakness into a strength and was no longer easy to get out.

While talking about Sachin Tendulkar Anderson stated that their battles did not share the same degree of transformation or rivalry. Sachin played with a serene and steady strategy and there was no dramatic shift in dominance. Anderson says that Sachin stayed calm and composed throughout the matches and their wars were more conventional. Even though he got Sachin out more often Anderson felt that the competition between Virat was more prominent due to the emotional and competitive vibe of Virat's personality.

Anderson also thought about how vastly different the two cricketers were personality-wise. Sachin had been mild and calm while Virat expressed his feelings more freely. Virat had been expressive intense and tended to have his emotions writ large on his face. This raw energy served to make their on-field battles fiercer. They had a fair amount of verbal battles on the field and even a fiery exchange during the 2021 series. These confrontations added an extra dimension to their feud and made it personal and memorable both for players and supporters.

Sachin, on the other hand, conducted himself with dignity and godly calmness. Sachin hardly ever got engaged in word wars, said Anderson, and always kept a level head at the crease. He admired Sachin for the manner in which he behaved and the manner in which Indian people revered him. Anderson confessed that bowling to Sachin was daunting not only for his batting ability but also due to the aura that surrounded him. The love and respect the fans showed for Sachin made it all the more special the experience of bowling to him.

As Virat's career went on Anderson found that the same kind of admiration grew around him as well. Virat was not as present in the early stages of his career but with time he gained the admiration of cricket fans throughout the globe. Anderson witnessed how the image of Virat transformed and how he began to receive similar attention and respect such as Sachin. That change made the career of Virat all the more inspiring and memorable for Anderson who was a part of those pivotal stages.

In spite of their contrasting personalities and approach to the game Anderson both respected immensely. He praised Virat for his competitiveness and how it challenged him to improve. He also appreciated Sachin's class and discipline. Both were difficult for Anderson to bowl to but in contrasting fashions. Sachin was difficult to understand due to his composed and grounded style of play whereas Virat was challenging due to his desire to turn things around and emerge victorious on the ground.

What impressed one about Anderson's words was the manner in which he described how Virat transformed after a challenging series. Such a comeback reflected the real character of a champion. Anderson told that he bowled Launched him out several times in the 2014 tour but in the subsequent series could not rule him out even once. Such an improvement doesn't happen often and reflects huge efforts and devotion put by Virat to his game.

These tales also provide followers a glimpse into what happens behind the scenes and how the players prepare and react to setbacks. The heated rivalry between Anderson and Virat was one of the most exciting things in recent India England series. It was not cricket, but pride skill and toughness of mind. Anderson also admitted that at times he had to be reminded to keep his attention on the cricket and not the fame of the batter opposite him. With Sachin it was holding firm against a legend and with Virat it was controlling emotions and remaining calm during tense situations.

Ultimately Anderson's remarks demonstrate how much respect he has for both Kohli and Tendulkar. While Sachin proved bowlers with his ageless method and quieting Virat established himself with zeal determination and the desire to improve further. Anderson's career spanning over six hundred wickets in Test cricket is full of tales of epic battles and these two Indian greats were obviously an integral part of that process. His words remind sports fans of the grace of the game in which rivalries are forged on the playing field and tempered by respect for skills and passion.