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England‘s premier fast bowler Mark Wood has opened up about his most challenging adversaries in international cricket, naming three formidable Indian batters who have consistently tested his bowling prowess. Following the conclusion of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, Wood reflected on his battles against some of cricket’s finest talents during an appearance on ‘The Overlap Cricket’ YouTube channel.
Former India Test captain tops Mark Wood’s list of challenging batters
The Durham paceman’s candid assessment places Rohit Sharma at the top of his list of most difficult batters to bowl to, describing the Mumbai opener as someone whose “bat was big, just kept getting wider“. Wood’s acknowledgment of these Indian batting maestros comes after years of high-quality cricket between the two nations, culminating in the recently concluded historic series that showcased the depth of talent on both sides.
Rohit stands out as Wood’s most challenging opponent across different stages of his career. The England pacer’s assessment of the Indian captain reveals the complex tactical battle that unfolds whenever these two cricketers face each other. Wood particularly highlighted Rohit’s proficiency against short-pitched bowling, creating a fascinating paradox for the bowler.
“Difficult because against the short ball, you feel like you, for myself, I’ve got a chance of getting him out, but also if he’s on that day, he smokes it,” Wood explained.
The statistical battle between Wood and Rohit tells an intriguing story, with their encounters spanning 229 runs and five dismissals across all formats. Rohit’s numbers against Wood are particularly impressive in ODIs, where he has scored 113 runs in nine matches at an average of 56.5, getting dismissed only twice. In T20Is, the Indian opener has maintained a strike rate of over 133 against the express pacer, while in Tests, he has scored 92 runs from four matches at an average of 46.
Wood’s description of feeling like Rohit’s “bat was big, just kept getting wider” captures the psychological impact of facing a batter who can turn the game on its head with his timing and placement. This assessment from one of the world’s fastest bowlers underlines Rohit’s reputation as ‘The Hitman’ and his ability to dominate even the most challenging bowling attacks.
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Other 2 Indian batters who made life tough for Wood
Virat Kohli emerges as Wood’s second major challenge, earning the description of an “unbelievable competitor”. The England pacer identified a specific tactical approach against the former Indian captain, noting that bowling on the fourth or fifth stump line was crucial to creating opportunities. However, Wood ruefully admitted that Kohli “never seemed to miss one” when bowled in that corridor of uncertainty.
The head-to-head record between Wood and Kohli shows 99 runs and one dismissal across formats, indicating the ex-captain’s ability to handle the English pace bowler effectively. Wood’s strategy of dragging Kohli into the fourth and fifth stump line reflects the meticulous planning required to dismiss one of cricket’s modern batting legends, yet Kohli’s consistency in that zone has frustrated the Durham quick.
Rishabh Pant rounds out Wood’s trio of Indian batting nightmares, with the wicketkeeper-batter earning particular praise for his exceptional eye and unconventional shot-making ability. Wood’s analysis of bowling to Pant reveals the mental chess match involved in facing cricket’s most unpredictable stroke-maker.
“He’s got such a good eye, he sort of hits it where he wants,” Wood observed, emphasizing the need for bowlers to “hold your nerve” when facing the Delhi dasher. The England pacer stressed that bowling a mixture of deliveries – including slower balls, bouncers, and yorkers – is essential to stay competitive against Pant’s innovative batting approach.
Wood’s tactical insight highlights the challenge Pant presents: being too predictable plays into his hands, as he can wait for anything difficult, while being consistently the same allows his exceptional hand-eye coordination to dictate terms.
