Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is aware of Australia's strength in their home. The talks of India being favorite before the series is correct, but only on paper. When the two teams will clash, the contest is going to be even.
Kohli, speaking ahead of the first Test, indicated that he is not going to take the Australians lightly, especially in their backyard. "I personally don't think any Australian side is vulnerable at home," he said at his pre-match press conference.
"You cannot take any side for granted. Whatever happened, the skill level is still there. However much you talk or behave, it's your skill that counts.
They still have the skill to dominate at home. We're not taking anything for granted."
Adelaide Oval is skipper Kohli's favorite ground away from home. He has got good numbers here when India last toured Australia. "I love coming to this ground, the city in general," he said.
"That's not to say that performance is always guaranteed in a certain place, but at Adelaide, I feel different from many other places."
Kohli's batting clip from net session gave a positive indication. It left everyone awe-struck and also gave a sense that something big coming up.
India has named their 12-man squad and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, and Kuldeep Yadav didn't make the cut for the first Test.
"The guys (bowlers) feel that they are at the peak of their skill levels at the moment and they are looking forward to this challenge," said Kohli.
"The bowlers are of the mindset that whatever the conditions or however hard it might be, they are just looking forward to performing."
Kohli has stressed on batsman not showing character on overseas tours. He again pointed it out and said, "If the batsmen apply themselves it can be a great place to bat.
"But it takes the character. And I think the Australia team has great skills, especially their bowlers are really strong.
We need to step up as a batting group, we understand that. There just needs to be a collective performance (bowlers and batters) on a regular basis."
