B'luru test: Kohli has something new up his sleeve for Australia

Admitting that he was sorely disappointed with the thumping defeat served by Australia in the Pune test, Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Friday hinted at changed in the squad, as the hosts seek a series-levelling victory in the second test of the four match series in Bengaluru.

Australia triumphed by 333 runs within three days on a turner in Pune, and in the process put broke India's 19-test unbeaten run stretching back to their tour to Sri Lanka in 2015.

"Combination - I wouldn't let it out right now but we do have two or three combinations that we are looking at -- not a set pattern and we will see accordingly what fits the best for this kind of surface," Kohli said.

 

Kohli further admitted that there was lack of intent on their part in the last match, assuring that it wouldn't be repeated again in the series.

"Last game was a disappointment in the way we played. It wasn't more of the result. We have lost before but we have lost fighting hard but when you don't have enough intent during the game and you lose the game that is when it hurts you. I think that is all that we made of it. The comments or headlines don't matter to us. They never have and we don't base our cricket on that," Kohli added.

Asserting that not dropping catches would be critical for success, Kohli further said that the focus is not one one particular player in the visiting team.

Countering rival Australian captain Steve Smith's assertion that India were under pressure due to an unexpected debacle in the series-opener, Kohli asserted that he and his team are relaxed.

"Our focus is not on him (Smith) and I think whole team has to play well against Australia to win a test match and that is something we have identified. We are not focusing on one player at all. As I said last time, if we don't grab our chances it doesn't matter, at the end of the day, how many runs someone ends up scoring," Kohli added.

Australia have announced an unchanged squad for the second test against India on Saturday with skipper Steve Smith maintained the need on posting a massive first innings total to take the reins in the four match series.

Smith, speaking to media on the eve of the second Test, said they were just one win away from reclaiming the series and the hosts must be feeling the heat since they are trailing. When asked about Smith's views, Kohli laughed off the suggestions as mind games.