For a lot of bowlers around the world, bowling to legendary batter Virat Kohli is a nightmare as the batters always tries to dominate the bowler and never allows them to settle. Even world class bowlers like Dale Steyn, Lasith Malinga, and Kagiso Rabada have faced difficulties bowling to the former India captain. However, there is one bowler that Kohli finds to be toughest to come on top, and that is none other than Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah and Kohli have only faced each other in the Indian Premier League (IPL), wherein the former has managed to dismiss him five times. Despite this, the latter has scored 147 runs from 95 balls against Bumrah with an average of 28. In their match-ups, the former RCB captain has struck 15 boundaries and five sixes of the premier MI pacer.
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Kohli shared his thoughts in a video posted by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on their X (formerly Twitter) account.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Jasprit is the top bowler in the world across all formats. He’s gotten me out a few times in the IPL, but I’ve also had some success against him there. Whenever I talk about facing him, I always say it’s going to be an exciting challenge. We don’t get that kind of experience in the nets. Even in practice, the intensity feels like we’re in a real match – it’s just as high-paced as an IPL game.”
“Every ball feels like a strategic battle for runs, with him constantly trying to get me out and me doing everything I can to stay at the crease. You can really feel the match-like pressure. For me, he’s the benchmark I hold myself to in the nets. It’s always enjoyable, but also the toughest challenge I face.”
Kohli vs Bumrah battle - one to watch out for
With Virat firing potshots and rating Bumrah the best, the IPL 2025 MI vs RCB contest would be an interesting match to watch. Both Kohli and Bumrah play the game in an aggressive manner, and always look for ways to make an impact in the game. Kohli finished the IPL 2024 season with 741 runs and won the Orange Cap, while Bumrah picked up more than 15 wickets and was lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal campaign for MI.
Also Read: IPL 2025: BCCI Plans Captains Meeting on 20th March at Mumbai Headquarters
Both have a point to prove in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Kohli, who has retired from T20Is, would love to play with freedom and aim for the elusive maiden IPL title, while Bumrah will be eager to make MI a powerhouse team in the IPL again.
