James Anderson with Virat Kohli | Source- AFP
James Anderson has recently picked his favourite cricketers from all major cricketing countries across the world. From India, he picked Virat Kohli as his favourite, while Babar Azam also headlined in Anderson's list.
Interestingly, Anderson looked beyond some of the biggest names in cricketing history while making his selections.
The selection of Virat Kohli is particularly interesting, given Anderson's memorable battles against both batters during his illustrious international career.
Anderson picks Virat Kohli, Babar, ABD as favourites
In a video for TNT Sports, James Anderson picked Shane Warne as his favourite Australian cricketer, Joe Root as his favourite from England, Virat Kohli from India and Babar Azam from Pakistan.
New Zealand's Tim Southee, AB de Villiers of South Africa, and Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka also made Anderson's favourite list.
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Although there are no metrics behind the cricketers Anderson picked, some eyebrows must have been raised when England's highest wicket-taker selected Virat Kohli and Babar Azam for their respective countries.
Tendulkar vs Kohli: Who tackled Anderson better?
James Anderson's list ignited the Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli debate. The Master Blaster, regarded as the all-season, all-weather, all-time best, has far superior stats in the longest format. However, when it comes to white-ball cricket, especially ODI cricket, Kohli becomes a whole different beast, even in front of SRT.
Meanwhile, the two Indian batters have had their own struggles against Anderson, who took 704 wickets in 188 Tests - the most for any fast bowler.
The legendary English quick bagged Tendulkar’s wicket nine times in Tests, 12 overall, at an average of 23.11. He has taken Kohli’s wicket seven times in the longest format, and 10 times across formats. That said, the Chasemaster has averaged better in Test cricket at 43.57.
| Criterion | Tendulkar | Kohli |
| Innings | 23 | 36 |
| Dismissals | 9 | 7 |
| Runs Scored | 208 | 305 |
| Balls Faced | 350 | 710 |
| Average | 23.11 | 43.57 |
(Stats for Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli against James Anderson)
Although eras should not be compared in cricket, Kohli tackled Anderson better than Sachin did. That could be the reason why the legendary pacer picked the successor over the predecessor as his favourite cricketer from India.
