Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni, who played bouncer better? Neil Wagner recalls fiery spell

Former New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner has looked back at the memorable 2014 Auckland Test against India, sharing how his short-ball tactics played a key role in dismissing a young Virat Kohli and eventually getting the key wicket of then-captain MS Dhoni. The left-arm pacer has said that Dhoni looked more comfortable and assured than Virat Kohli against pace in overseas conditions. Wagner’s efforts were crucial in New Zealand’s 40-run victory, where his four-wicket haul proved decisive in defending a challenging target.

Despite MS Dhoni being the last recognised batter at the crease, India's hopes of winning the Test were still alive. Joined by the tailenders, he went for the big hits before getting chopped on by Wagner’s slower bouncer, ultimately helping the Kiwis inch one wicket closer to a nail-biting victory. Wagner’s consistency with his plans eventually helped him reap rewards, and his overall spell of 4/62 played a crucial role in helping New Zealand secure the victory. The hosts won the Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the Wellington Test ending in a draw.

“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, revealing how he backed his instincts to dismiss the key batter on a score of 39.

Wagner also explained how he devised a plan to target Virat Kohli and maintain constant pressure through short-pitched deliveries on the Indian batting lineup. Chasing a daunting total of 407 in the fourth innings, India stayed in the hunt. Partnered by opener Shikhar Dhawan, who played a splendid knock of 115, Kohli contributed 67 runs, and India seemed to be cruising toward a historic win. However, Wagner had other plans and stepped in to derail India’s momentum.

“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,” he recalled.

The hosts won the Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, and the Wellington Test ended in a draw, which sealed a 1-0 win for the Brendon McCullum-led team. Meanwhile, Wagner retired from international cricket in February 2024. He played 64 Tests and claimed 260 wickets at an average of 27.72, and is currently the 5^th highest wicket-taker in the longest format for the country. He also played a key role in New Zealand's World Test Championship (WTC) final 2021 triumph against India.