Anderson made his debut in the longest format in 2003 and retired only last season, concluding an illustrious career. He enjoyed success against both Tendulkar and Kohli, dismissing the two legends nine and seven times respectively.
“I had some success early against Kohli the first time he came to England (2014). I really took advantage of his weakness outside off stump and then the next time I faced him (in 2018) he’d obviously worked on that and it felt like bowling to a different player,” Anderson shared with talkSport.
Anderson faced both Indian batsmen at different points in his career. The fast bowler enjoyed a lengthy career and still competes in county cricket at the age of 42.
“He (Kohli) had elevated his game to another level, making it very tough not just for me but for bowlers overall. I think I got him out maybe four or five times in the first series, but in the next series I didn’t manage to dismiss him.
“In contrast, against Sachin, I didn’t notice that same kind of shift in dominance like I did with Kohli. There was definitely a change, and I found him a really challenging player to bowl to because he possessed that steely mindset.” He described Tendulkar as a ‘God-like’ figure, while Kohli has a more confrontational personality.
“Kohli thrived on competition. He wanted you to know it. He’s very driven, and after that early success, it became quite difficult to face him.
“With someone like Kohli, he was a different character compared to Sachin, who was very mild-mannered and calm at the crease, while Virat was more expressive with his emotions, wearing them on his sleeve. You could see this in his captaincy, especially when he celebrated wickets and moments like that,” Anderson added.
