‘Kohli looked unsettled, Dhoni chopped on’ - Former Kiwi pacer recalls battle with India greats

Former New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner has reflected on the 2014 Auckland Test against India, recalling how his short-ball strategy unsettled the star batter Virat Kohli and ultimately brought him the wicket of the then captain MS Dhoni.

Wagner noted that Dhoni appeared relatively comfortable against the bouncer plan, yet he managed to dismiss the Indian captain. Interestingly, he felt that at the time, Dhoni looked more assured against pace in overseas conditions than a young Kohli. The left-arm quick also explained how he devised a plan to target Kohli during that opening Test of the series at Eden Park, where New Zealand went on to secure a memorable win.

"This Test match, I remember the wicket being quite flat, but there was a bit of pace and bounce. Eden Park is quite small on the straight, but the square boundaries there are pockets that are helpful. I remember bowling a couple of bouncers and how they played it, and particularly [Virat] Kohli looked a bit unsettled. He didn't know if he should take it on or not and how to play," Wagner said on the Red Inker Cricket Podcast.

The 39-year-old admitted that Dhoni initially looked far more comfortable against his short-pitched bowling than Kohli. However, he eventually deceived the Indian captain with a surprise slower-ball bouncer to claim his wicket. New Zealand set India a target of 407 runs in the fourth innings, and Wagner’s incisive spell of 4/62 played a decisive role as India were bowled out for 366, handing the hosts a famous 40-run victory.

"The idea was trying to go cross 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.

"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. The confidence that I got from that and backing your gut feeling made me feel like getting some confidence and some self-belief," Wagner said.

For the unversed, Wagner retired from international cricket recently, stepping away as arguably one of the most underappreciated pacers of this generation. The Pretoria-born played a total of 64 Tests for New Zealand, picking up 260 wickets, which also includes nine five-wicket hauls. He, however, continues to play county cricket for Durham.