India vs Australia: Virat Kohli needs to find mojo back after losing first battle to Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc

The Indian skipper loves challenges and with his back against the wall, it remains to be seen whether Virat Kohli can give a befitting reply to Australia in 2nd Test.

Bengaluru: Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli entered the first Test against Australia high on confidence after having hit four consecutive double centuries in the traditional format in as many series. While the Aussies went into the first match as underdogs, the series was seen as a contest between Kohli and Steve Smith - two of the modern day greats - as well as between Kohli and Starc.

Unfortulately, Kohli lost both the battle as while Smith hit one of the greatest Test hundreds at Pune, the speedster dismissed Kohli for his first duck on maiden soil.

What made matters worse for the Indian team was that they were overshadowed on a pitch which assisted the spinners. While India prepared for Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc ahead of the series, it was the unheralded Steve O'Keefe who ripped through their batting line-up with a 12-wicket haul at Pune.

India`s 19-match winning streak came to an end in Pune as they lost by 333 runs inside three days, giving Australia the much-needed confidence. On a pitch assisted by spin, India got a dose of their own medicine.

Kohli blamed the setback on his team`s lack of intent but promised a better display in the second test starting on Saturday.

"Obviously you want to forget if a result does not go your way. But it is important the loss should hurt you and you learn from that," Kohli told reporters at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"If you play well every day, every session, then you will win the test match. We didn`t do that. We understand that and we will improve on those areas till the end of the series.

"But I assure you that you will not see a repeat of that kind of performance."

India were bundled out for 105 and 107 in their two innings with Australia left-arm spinner Steve O`Keefe picking up 12 wickets in the test match.

The Indian skipper loves challenges and with his back against the wall, it remains to be seen whether Kohli can give a befitting reply to Australia, who are basking in the glory of their comprehensive win in first Test.