Mitchell Starc has bowled to nearly every modern cricket great. Still, when it comes to the one batter who has truly tested him throughout his long and illustrious career, the Australian left-arm speedster has a clear answer — Virat Kohli. Starc, now 35 and still one of the world’s most feared fast bowlers, revealed that no one has pushed him to the edge of his skill and mindset quite like the Indian superstar.
Despite spending more than a decade at the highest level, Starc’s hunger, pace, and competitive spirit remain intact. His recent record-breaking spell in the opening Test of the Ashes 2025–26 is proof that he is still at the top of his game. Over the years, he has bowled to cricketing giants like Rohit Sharma, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson, but Kohli, according to him, stands in a league of his own.
The battles between Kohli and Starc have become iconic in India–Australia cricket. Every duel between them — whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is — brings a special intensity, with the contest often swinging on small margins. Starc has repeatedly spoken about how Kohli’s mental strength, shot selection, and ability to dominate even in pressure situations make him a rare challenge.
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Their rivalry is built not on hostility but on deep competitive respect. Their relationship became even more intriguing when Starc shared the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dressing room with Kohli during their IPL days. Training together, observing each other’s routines, and discussing the game from different perspectives gave Starc a closer look at what makes Kohli world-class.
The left-arm quick also shared the same dressing room with AB de Villiers and has played plenty with Steve Smith — yet he still rates Kohli as the toughest batter he has faced.
Speaking on Kookaburra Cricket, Mitchell Starc said, “Virat Kohli is the No. 1 batter I’ve played against. The way he dominates the game — it was amazing to have that relationship with him at RCB.” When asked to name the best players he has played with, he added, “Kohli, Steve Smith, and AB de Villiers.”
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The rivalry between Kohli and Starc is backed by numbers too. In Tests, Kohli has scored 278 runs off 477 balls against Starc at an average of 46.3, with the Aussie dismissing him six times.
In ODIs, Kohli has dominated, scoring 162 runs at an average of 81. In T20Is, Kohli has faced him without being dismissed, scoring 15 runs. Across T20 leagues, he has also scored 91 runs off Starc without losing his wicket. Despite the intense competition, there remains mutual admiration — a hallmark of two modern greats who bring out the best in each other every time the battle begins.
