“I honestly can’t think of a better finisher and greater white-ball player” : James Anderson lavishes praise on Virat Kohli
In a career spanning over two decades, James Anderson, widely considered as the finest test bowler that has ever attempted to play the game, has had the privilege of squaring off against some of the greatest batsmen in the world. Most recently, the Englishman deemed who he thinks is the greatest white-ball finisher and batsman of all time.
His answer was none other than one of his fiercest rivals in Virat Kohli. The Indian and Englishman go way back, having being put up against each other several times, and to this date, their rivalry leaves room for debate regarding who ultimately came out the winner between them.
But the mutual respect that both legends of the sport share is second to none. Both have admired each other in several interviews and have acknowledged their impeccable skills and game knowledge. The 42-year-old took it one step further, after recognizing Kohli as the greatest white-ball finisher ever.
“I do not know if there is been a better batter in the history of the game batting second” : James Anderson on Virat Kohli’s clutch gene
In a recent interview with the Tailenders podcast, the Englishman admired the way the Indian batter finishes off games, while also achieving his own personal milestones on the way.
“I do not know if there is been a better batter in the history of the game batting second and chasing down scores than Virat Kohli. His record at chasing is absolutely phenomenal. The number of hundreds he has scored in the second innings, chasing down scores is ridiculous. It is no surprise that when he gets in that situation, with his mentality, it is just like it is meant to be. His self-belief is so high,” said the former English bowler.
When asked if Kohli is the greatest white-ball batsman ever, the 42-year-old also mentioned the name of Australia’s Michael Bevan, who was also known for his finishing skills coming way down the order. Although, Anderson did admit that alongside finishing Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen in white-ball.
“I cannot say that. I was thinking more in terms of just chasing. [As for the best white-ball batter ever,] Michael Bevan from Australia comes to my mind, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s – he was just phenomenal coming in at number six and doing that job, Kohli batting at number 3 gets those hundreds while Bevan was renowned for getting his 50s, 60s and being at the end, while Kohli gets the big score, to get his teams over the line. I honestly can’t think of a better finisher and greater white-ball players than him [Kohli].” the 42-year-old added.
It is no surprise that the 35-year-old gets praised by fellow cricketers and analysts worldwide on a regular basis. The Indian batter has set a standard for himself that is hard for even the best to match with. Virat Kohli has been ‘the’ batsman alongside the other members of the ‘Fab 4’ to be compared with. Add the immense control over his fitness, age does not seem a factor for the star of the Indian cricket team to slow down just yet.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Will Team India travel to Pakistan?
