Explore the bowlers who have dismissed Virat Kohli the most in international cricket. Players have consistently challenged Kohli’s brilliance, creating memorable battles and showcasing their skills against one of the modern game’s finest batters.
James Anderson (10)
One of the most iconic rivalries in Test cricket, James Anderson and Virat Kohli’s face-offs have enthralled fans worldwide. Anderson first dominated Kohli during India’s 2014 England tour, dismissing him four times. Kohli returned stronger in 2018 but struggled again in 2021, falling to Anderson five more times.
In Tests, Kohli has scored 297 runs while being dismissed seven times by Anderson in 681 deliveries. In ODIs, the Indian batter has managed 26 runs and has been dismissed three times, showcasing Anderson’s dominance across formats.
Moeen Ali (10)
Moeen Ali has been a persistent thorn in Virat Kohli’s batting, especially in spin-friendly conditions. First striking during the 2014 England tour, Ali has troubled Kohli in all formats. He’s dismissed Kohli six times in Tests, three in ODIs, and once in T20Is, across 518 deliveries.
Kohli has scored 306 runs against Ali, yet the off-spinner’s knack for dismissing him whenever India and England clash post-2014 is remarkable.
Tim Southee (10)
The Kohli-Southee rivalry dates back to their Under-19 days. Known for exploiting swing effectively, Southee has managed to dismiss Kohli 10 times in international cricket—three in Tests, six in ODIs, and once in T20Is.
While Kohli has scored 128 runs in Tests and 205 runs in white-ball cricket against the New Zealand pacer, Southee’s ability to trouble him with movement remains consistent.
Adil Rashid (9)
Kohli’s struggles against spin bowlers extend to Adil Rashid, who has taken his wicket nine times across formats. Known for his deceptive variations, Rashid has dismissed Kohli four times in Tests, three in ODIs, and twice in T20Is.
Kohli has scored 289 runs in Tests, 108 in ODIs, and 63 in T20Is against Rashid, maintaining a stellar red-ball average of 72.2 despite Rashid’s frequent breakthroughs.
Ben Stokes (9)
Ben Stokes wraps up the list of Kohli’s top nemeses. Utilizing reverse swing and effective line-and-length bowling, Stokes has dismissed Kohli nine times—six in Tests and three in ODIs.
Kohli’s attacking approach often leads to his downfall against bowlers like Stokes, who capitalize on even minor errors to gain the upper hand.
Bowler | Dismissals (Overall) | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |
James Anderson | 10 | 7 | 3 | – |
Moeen Ali | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
Tim Southee | 10 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
Adil Rashid | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Ben Stokes | 9 | 6 | 3 | – |