Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni, Neil Wagner reveals who handled his bouncers better, says 'didn’t look like it was bothering him too much'

Former New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner recently reflected on the memorable 2014 Auckland Test against India and reveals who handled his bouncers better between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. He recalled how he found Virat Kohli more susceptible to his short-pitched deliveries during the tour. In contrast, Wagner was surprised by the solid defense and resilience of MS Dhoni.

Neil Wagner narrates how MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli responded differently to his bouncers

Neil Wagner's exceptional bowling was pivotal in New Zealand's 40-run victory, as his four-wicket haul was decisive in defending a challenging target.

With MS Dhoni as the last recognized batter at the crease, India's hopes for a win were still alive. Joined by the tailenders, Dhoni started going for big shots but was eventually out, chopping on a slower bouncer from Wagner. This crucial wicket brought the Kiwis one step closer to a narrow victory. Wagner's consistent execution of his plans ultimately paid off, with his figures of 4/62 playing a vital role in securing the win. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, which concluded with a draw in the Wellington Test.

“Dhoni didn’t look like it was bothering him too much. It was all about taking the positive and aggressive option for us and not being fearful at all. I was like I am going to bowl a slower ball bouncer to Dhoni. I did it and he chopped it on, and I was amazed by it,” Wagner said on the Red Inker Cricket Podcast.

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Wagner also talked about his strategy of targeting Kohli and pressuring the Indian batting lineup with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries. India was in a strong position, chasing a formidable total of 407 in the fourth innings. With opener Shikhar Dhawan scoring a brilliant 115 and Kohli adding 67, India appeared to be on course for a historic victory. However, Wagner had other ideas, and his intervention completely changed the momentum of the game.

“The idea was trying to go across and outside the eyeline. He (Kohli) tried to pull it in front of square because there’s protection out. Him trying to pull it in front of square, he just got a toe end on it and it carried through to BJ Watling. He got a bottom edge on it and it created a bit of a mode. Then Dhoni and Jadeja looked like they were going to chase it down and play a phenomenal innings,” Wagner concluded.

After their victory in the Auckland Test, the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The subsequent match in Wellington ended in a draw, which secured a 1-0 series win for the team led by Brendon McCullum. Neil Wagner, who was a key part of that success, retired from international cricket in February 2024. Throughout his career, he played 64 Tests and took 260 wickets with an average of 27.72.