Virat Kohli dragged as Sachin Tendulkar responds to James Anderson

Sachin Tendulkar has responded after James Anderson brought up Virat Kohli during a discussion about facing the legendary Indian batter. In a recent interview, Anderson described his experience bowling to Tendulkar as frustrating due to the former Indian batter's intense focus and composure at the crease.

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was officially launched ahead of the first Test between England and India at Headingley. According to a press release from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), this new trophy will be awarded in all Test series between the two nations, whether played in India or England.

James Anderson's Record Against Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar in Tests

James Anderson is the only bowler to have consistently troubled two of India’s greatest batting icons across different generations - Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

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Anderson dismissed Tendulkar nine times in Test matches, more than any other bowler, surpassing the likes of Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. The veteran England pacer also removed Virat Kohli seven times in Tests.

Anderson first bowled to Tendulkar during the 2006 Test series in India, when the Indian legend had already spent 17 years at the international level.

The 42-year-old faced Kohli at a time when both were in their prime. Anderson dominated the 2014 series, but Kohli bounced back strongly in 2018. He dismissed Kohli twice during the 2021-22 series, although the Indian captain managed two half-centuries.

Virat Kohli Has Been the Challenge for Me - James Anderson

During a conversation with Sachin Tendulkar, James Anderson opened up about the contrasting experiences of bowling to two of India’s greatest batters.

When asked about facing Tendulkar, Anderson described it as both challenging and frustrating. The pacer noted that Virat Kohli has been a more emotionally expressive opponent in recent India–England encounters.

"I did find that frustrating. I don't think I've played against anyone who has that more than Sachin. He would just be in this zone; his eyes completely focussed on what he's doing and whether you're talking to him, he will look past you and just ignore it completely."

"So frustrating at times for me, because during India vs England in recent times, Virat Kohli has been the challenge for me. You get much more reactions from him; much more emotional. You can see what he's thinking," Anderson said.

There Was No Need to Disturb the Bowler - Sachin Tendulkar

After James Anderson mentioned Virat Kohli during their discussion, Sachin Tendulkar shared his perspective on handling bowlers. Tendulkar revealed that he rarely felt the need to engage in on-field exchanges, calling the famous 2000 match in Nairobi against Glenn McGrath a rare exception.

"I would engage in some kind of reaction or altercation only when I wanted to, only when I felt it was needed to distract the bowler. But when I felt I was in a good space, there was no need to disturb the bowler, then I wouldn’t do it. But there have been occasions when I have started the conversation just to rattle the bowler. I think it is about owning the 22 yards, whether you are bowling or batting," said Tendulkar.

Also read: "Whoever will replace them...": Ben Stokes' bold take on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's absence in Test series