India Vs Australia, 2nd Test: Virat Kohli assures Pune-like mistake won't be repeated again

Bengaluru, March 3: On the eve of a crucial match against Australia, India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday (March 3) assured that his team's performance in the upcoming Tests will be better than the previous game.

Series schedule " title="Probable India XI for Bengaluru Test; Series schedule " />Probable India XI for Bengaluru Test; Series schedule

Addressing media persons ahead of the Bengaluru Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Indian skipper said his team will not repeat Pune-like performance and will come back stronger. (Preview: 2nd Test)

"We assure you, we are not going to repeat Pune-like performance in the remaining series. We accept the fact that there was a lack of intent from our side in the previous match," Kohli remarked when asked about the team's preparations.

India were badly bruised and battered by Australia in the opening Test as Kohli and Co. lost the match by 333 runs.

Talking about team combination for the upcoming Test, Kohli refused to divulge into it but said the team is keeping two to three combinations in mind.

"Hardik Pandya is not available for selection in the second Test, he has a niggle in his shoulder. But I won't let it (combination) right now, but we too have two to three combinations that we are looking at and not one set pattern," added Kohli.

Speaking about the team's plans against Australia skipper Steve Smith, the Indian captain said they are focussing on the entire team, "We are not focussing on a particular player and that we'll try to take 10 wickets twice to win the match. We cannot take anything for granted during a Test match. Setbacks are also important in cricket."

(Rahane's two years of 'extremely successful' stint can't be ignored: Kumble)

Stung by the humiliating defeat in the series-opener, Kohli will face the toughest battle of his fledgling captaincy career against a resurgent Australia in the second cricket Test.

Earlier on Thursday, India coach Anil Kumble made it clear that Karun Nair's one triple century cannot outshine the two years of "extremely successful" stint of Ajinkya Rahane and dropping the experienced middle-order batsman from the playing XI is out of question.

"There is no question of dropping Rahane. He has scored really well, he has been extremely successful over the last couple of years. In terms of team composition we still haven't discussed on that. All 16 are available," Kumble told reporters.

Meanwhile, former Australia captain Michael Clarke said India will be "tougher to beat in Bengaluru" unlike Pune where winning the toss worked wonderfully in favour of Steve Smith's men.

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