Former New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner has shared an interesting comparison between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni from India’s 2014 Test match against New Zealand in Auckland.
Wagner on Bowling to Kohli
Reflecting on the game, Wagner explained how his short-ball tactics unsettled a young Kohli.
“The wicket was flat but had pace and bounce. Eden Park is small straight, but the square boundaries give some assistance. I bowled a few bouncers and Kohli looked a bit unsettled. He wasn’t sure whether to take them on or leave,” Wagner said on the Red Inker Cricket Podcast.
He recalled one particular dismissal:
“Kohli tried to pull in front of square, but he just got a toe end. It carried through to BJ Watling. That created a mode for us.”
Dhoni’s Different Approach
While Kohli struggled against the short ball, Wagner admitted Dhoni looked calm and composed. “Dhoni didn’t look like it was bothering him too much. He was positive and aggressive, and looked like he could chase it down with Jadeja,” he said.
Wagner then described how he eventually dismissed the former India skipper.
“I decided to bowl a slower bouncer. Dhoni chopped it on, and I was amazed. That gave me a lot of belief and confidence.”
Match Recap
The 2014 Auckland Test was the series opener. Chasing 407, India reached 268/5 with Kohli (67), Shikhar Dhawan (115), and Dhoni (39) giving them hope. However, Wagner’s 4/62 sealed the game for New Zealand, bowling India out for 366 and securing a 40-run win.
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