India Vs Australia: Virat Kohli-Steve Smith not here to make friends, says VVS Laxman

New Delhi, Sep 12: Former India cricketer VVS Laxman is mighty impressed with Virat Kohli and Team India's ruthless performance against Sri Lanka but believes the upcoming series against a side like Australia will be challenging for the Men In Blue.

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of an event, the cricketer-turned-commentator said the rivalry between the two teams has emerged as the No. 1 rivalry.

"This is absolutely the no.1 rivalry. Both teams will fight hard and it won't be any different this season. None of us gave the Aussies a chance in the Test series, but they were most competitive," Laxman told Sports Tak Youtube channel.

When asked about the bitter rivalry between the skippers of both the teams i.e. Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, the legendary India batsman termed them both as great players but one can't expect them to be nice to each other on the field.

"Coming to Kohli and Smith, they are modern day greats. The impact they have had at the international level is exemplary. On the field you mean business and you don't need to be friends. They will be aggressive and will go all out. That is the way it should be because it is a competition and there is no friendship. They are highly competitive," clarified the Hyderabadi cricketer.

Laxman also seemed to be happy with Kohli's leadership skills and feels the skipper's positive attitude has actually inspired other players in the side which helped this Indian team even with the second string bowling attack conquer teams with ease.

"The way Kohli leads the team, he is positive and proactive. He is ruthless in his approach and this team is looking to improve on its own and not looking at the opposition. These guys wish to execute their own goals. I don't see any weak link in this Indian team," he said.

Laxman also lauded the board's decision to rest premier spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to give youngsters a chance.

"It is a courageous decision that the selectors have taken. They have shown their faith in youngsters like Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav. These young spinners have got a chance to play against a strong side like Australia and they can prove their worth now," added Laxman.

India and Australia will play five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals. The first game will be played at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (September 17).