Who are the only 2 bowlers who have dismissed Virat Kohli in the IPL more than Jasprit Bumrah?
Virat Kohli is the leading run scorer in IPL history. He’s been a fantastic servant for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, staying with them for 263 games (and counting) and scoring a massive 8,509 runs.
Currently in the midst of another stellar season, Kohli opened up in an interview with the RCB website, speaking about players who have had a major influence on his career as he looked introspectively on the past 18 seasons at RCB—an amazing show of loyalty in modern sport.
Over the seasons, Kohli has racked up hundreds of records and passed countless milestones. But which are the bowlers he has struggled most against over the course of his storied IPL career?
Here’s a quick look at the bowlers who have dismissed Kohli the most over the course of his 255 IPL innings – for the record, he has been dismissed 215 times from 255 innings in 263 matches.
5. Dhawal Kulkarni – dismissed Virat Kohli 4 times in IPL
A steady seamer with a knack for early breakthroughs, Dhawal Kulkarni found a way to trouble Kohli more often than most. The Mumbai-based bowler removed Kohli four times in the Indian Premier League, often relying on disciplined lines and subtle seam movement to undo the RCB star.
Though Kulkarni doesn’t boast express pace, his ability to move the ball both ways and keep things tight early in the innings made him a thorn in Kohli’s side – particularly during the powerplay, when aggression can often lead to risks.
4. Mohammed Shami – dismissed Virat Kohli 5 times in IPL
Shami’s recent form in white-ball cricket has been outstanding, but even earlier in his IPL career, he was a difficult bowler to handle. His sharp pace, accuracy, and ability to generate late swing and seam movement made him a consistent threat to Kohli.
The pair have crossed paths often over the years, and Shami’s ability to bowl both upfront and at the death meant Kohli was always wary of the Indian speedster. The right-armer has dismissed Kohli five times, making him one of only a handful of bowlers to do so that often.
3. Jasprit Bumrah – dismissed Virat Kohli 5 times in IPL
There is arguably no tougher bowler to face in the IPL than Jasprit Bumrah at his best. His unorthodox action, skiddy pace, and pinpoint yorkers have tested the very best – and even Kohli has fallen prey on five occasions. With Bumrah often brought in to bowl the toughest overs – both in the powerplay and at the death – it’s no surprise that he’s been able to get the better of Kohli more than once.
Their battles have always been among the most anticipated in the tournament (at their peaks they are undoubtedly India’s best batsman and bowler respectively), and Bumrah’s ability to keep Kohli quiet, and sometimes even remove him, has been crucial for Mumbai Indians in many key encounters.
2. Ashish Nehra – dismissed Virat Kohli 6 times in IPL
While Ashish Nehra has been retired for several seasons now, his impact on the IPL and his matchups against Kohli remain noteworthy. Nehra had Kohli’s number early in the latter’s career, dismissing him six times in the IPL. The left-arm angle, ability to swing the ball up front, and clever use of pace variations in the middle overs made Nehra a tricky customer.
He often removed Kohli when the batter was either trying to settle or accelerate, showing a knack for striking at critical moments. The former India pacer’s clever bowling and tactical nous paid off handsomely in their duels.
1. Sandeep Sharma – dismissed Virat Kohli 7 times in IPL
No bowler has dismissed Kohli more times in the IPL than Sandeep Sharma. The underrated right-arm seamer has a fantastic record against top-order batters, and his tally of seven dismissals of Kohli stands out. Often bowling in the powerplay, Sandeep has used swing, smart changes of pace, and tight lines to flummox Kohli early in the innings.
Despite not being express quick, his discipline and ability to swing the ball have made him especially dangerous. His record against Kohli is often brought up as one of the more surprising IPL stats – and it’s a testament to his effectiveness even without the spotlight that others enjoy.
Sandeep is now into his 13th season on IPL cricket. Playing for Rajasthan Royals after previous stints with Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Royals have faced RCB twice this season and although Sandeep got amongst the wickets in the second encounter, he wasn’t able to snag Kohli and add to his tally.
