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In a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most memorable Test matches of the last decade, former New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner has provided a detailed account of his on-field battles with two Indian giants, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Recalling the high-stakes 2014 Auckland Test, a match where India were tasked with chasing a formidable 407 for victory, Wagner revealed a stark contrast in the temperaments of the two superstar batters.
Neil Wagner’s duel against Virat Kohli in Auckland Test in 2014
Speaking on the Red Inker Cricket Podcast, Wagner recalled his strategy against Kohli in the 2014 Test at Eden Park. India were chasing a massive target of 407 and were in a strong position with Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan at the crease. Wagner, noticing a flat surface with some pace and bounce, began to target Kohli with short deliveries. The Indian batter looked visibly unsettled by the bouncers, as he struggled to decide whether to take on the delivery or to get out of the line of fire.
Wagner explained his thought process behind the dismissal, stating, “The idea was trying to go cross and outside 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.” Kohli’s dismissal for 67 triggered a collapse, and India’s chase faltered.
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Wagner’s different approach against MS Dhoni
After Kohli’s departure, a late counterattack from Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja kept India’s hopes alive. Wagner admitted that unlike Kohli, Dhoni appeared largely ‘unbothered’ by the short-ball strategy. Dhoni, along with Jadeja, added a quick 54 runs, making it seem as though they might just chase down the improbable target.
The former pacer realized that he needed a different approach to dismiss the Indian captain. Wagner ultimately opted for a surprising change of pace, a decision he credits to his aggressive and positive mindset. He recalled, “Then Dhoni and Jadeja looked like they were going to chase it down and play a phenomenal innings. Dhoni didn’t look like it was bothering him too much. It was all about taking the positive and aggressive option for us. 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,” This decisive wicket of Dhoni was the ninth to fall, and India eventually fell short of the target by 40 runs.
Wagner’s candid insights, shared on a podcast, paint a vivid picture of a psychological duel where his short-pitched bowling strategy successfully unnerved a young and rising Kohli, yet proved surprisingly ineffective against the unflappable Dhoni.
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