'Virat Kohli is the greatest finisher of all time': James Anderson

Virat Kohli is the best finisher in the game. (Image- Reuters)

Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli was hailed as "one of the best" players by former England pace legend James Anderson, particularly noting his exceptional skill in white-ball cricket during run-chases and closing out games.

Anderson recently appeared as a guest on the Tailenders Podcast. During the discussion, he remarked, "I do not know if there has 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."

pic.twitter.com/RhIdZBfEOM
August 27, 2024

Anderson emphasised that Kohli's strong self-belief significantly enhances his chasing abilities, according to ANI. "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," Anderson added.

When questioned about whether Virat is the greatest white-ball batter of all time, Anderson acknowledged that while Australia's Michael Bevan delivered impressive finishes in the 1990s and early 2000s, Kohli's centuries during winning chases establish him as the "greatest finisher" and place him among the top white-ball batters ever.

"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," he said.

"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 scores to take his teams over the line. I honestly can’t think of a better finisher or greater white-ball player than him [Kohli]," Anderson concluded.