Which Bowler Dismissed Virat Kohli the Most Times in IPL? 2025

Here’s a detailed article on the bowler who has dismissed Virat Kohli the most times in the IPL:

Which Bowler Dismissed Virat Kohli the Most Times in IPL?

Introduction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been one of the biggest cricketing spectacles since its inception in 2008. Over the years, it has witnessed some of the best batting performances, with Virat Kohli emerging as one of the league’s most prolific run-scorers. Known for his consistency, technique, and aggression, Kohli has dominated bowlers across teams and formats. However, there are a few bowlers who have had the better of him in the IPL.

One bowler, in particular, has managed to dismiss Virat Kohli more times than anyone else in the IPL — Sandeep Sharma. This article delves deep into the head-to-head record, Sandeep Sharma’s bowling style, strategies, and other bowlers who have troubled Kohli over the years.

Which Bowler Dismissed Virat Kohli the Most Times in IPL?

Virat Kohli’s IPL Journey

Before diving into the bowler’s stats, it is essential to understand Kohli’s stature in the IPL:

Debut Year: 2008 (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Total Runs (as of IPL 2024): 7263+
Centuries: 7
Fifties: 50+
Strike Rate: 130+

Kohli has been the backbone of RCB for over 15 seasons, but like every great batsman, he has had his weaknesses and phases of struggle.

Sandeep Sharma: The Nemesis of Virat Kohli

Head-to-Head Record

Bowler: Sandeep Sharma
Team(s): Kings XI Punjab (Now Punjab Kings), Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals
Dismissals: 7 times
Matches faced: 15+
Runs conceded: 80+
Average against Sandeep: 11-12
Strike Rate: Below 100

Sandeep Sharma tops the list of bowlers who have dismissed Kohli the most times in IPL history. Kohli has found it tough against Sandeep’s swing bowling, especially during the powerplay overs.

Why is Sandeep Successful Against Kohli?

Swing Master: Sandeep Sharma is known for his ability to swing the new ball both ways. Kohli, known for driving on the up, often fell prey to Sandeep’s outswingers and inswingers.
Accurate Line and Length: Sandeep targets the off-stump corridor, forcing Kohli into false shots.
Powerplay Specialist: Most of Kohli’s dismissals to Sandeep have come in the powerplay, where the ball moves the most.
Patience and Planning: Sandeep has never tried to overdo things against Kohli. He sticks to a simple plan — swing it, keep it full, and wait for a mistake.

Match Examples Where Sandeep Dismissed Kohli

IPL 2014 – Kings XI Punjab vs RCB: Sandeep got Kohli early with a classic outswinger.
IPL 2017 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs RCB: Another powerplay wicket for Sandeep, with Kohli misjudging the swing.
IPL 2020 – SRH vs RCB: Kohli’s mistimed drive ended in the hands of the fielder.
IPL 2023 – Rajasthan Royals vs RCB: Kohli dismissed cheaply by Sandeep again.

Each dismissal showcased Sandeep’s mastery over Kohli’s technical vulnerabilities against swing bowling.

Other Bowlers Who Have Troubled Virat Kohli

Though Sandeep Sharma tops the chart, several other bowlers have also dismissed Kohli multiple times:

Bowler	Dismissals	Reason for Success
Mohit Sharma	5	Smart variations, slower balls, cutters.
Ravindra Jadeja	5	Spin, accuracy, and smart changes of pace.
Jasprit Bumrah	4	Raw pace, yorkers, and variations.
Ashish Nehra	4	Swing and experience in the powerplay.
Sunil Narine	4	Spin and variations troubling Kohli.

Spin vs Pace

Kohli has struggled equally against both spin and pace but Sandeep’s swing gives him an edge.
Sunil Narine and Jadeja have been Kohli’s nemesis in the middle overs with spin.

Kohli’s Batting Evolution and Counter-Strategy

Over the years, Kohli has worked hard on his weaknesses. However, some persistent issues remain:

Vulnerable early against swing and seam movement.
Tends to push at balls outside off-stump early in the innings.
Struggles when bowlers bowl slow cutters or surprise bouncers.

How Kohli Countered Swing Bowlers Later:

Playing late and closer to the body.
Avoiding risky drives in the first 10 balls.
Trying to rotate strike instead of going for big shots early.

Sandeep Sharma’s IPL Career Overview

Matches: 110+
Wickets: 120+
Economy: 7.5 – 8
Best Bowling: 4/20
Strength: Swing, variations, death over accuracy.

Despite being underrated, Sandeep has delivered consistently, especially against big players like Kohli, Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma.

What Makes This Rivalry Special?

David vs Goliath: Sandeep isn’t express pace, but his skill has outshined Kohli’s class.
Battle in Powerplay: Early wickets of Kohli often put RCB on the backfoot.
Consistency: Rare to see a bowler dominate Kohli across different seasons and teams.

Fans’ Reactions and Memes

Every time Sandeep dismissed Kohli, social media erupted:

Memes calling Sandeep ‘Kohli’s Swing Teacher’
Fans appreciating Sandeep’s calm celebration
Experts like Aakash Chopra praising Sandeep’s control and mindset.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli, one of IPL’s greatest, has been troubled the most by Sandeep Sharma, who dismissed him 7 times — the highest by any bowler in IPL history. This duel reflects how even the best can struggle against certain bowlers due to style match-ups and execution.

Cricket is a game of match-ups. Sandeep Sharma’s swing, discipline, and clever use of the new ball made him Kohli’s toughest challenge. Kohli has grown over the years, but this head-to-head remains one of the most talked-about rivalries in IPL history.

As IPL continues, fans will eagerly wait for another Sandeep vs Kohli face-off, knowing well that every ball will have history and tension attached to it.