India skipper Virat Kohli says partners in crime Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are good enough to bury Australia in a session, backing the top-order pair to drive home the tourists' advantage when the series shifts to Perth.
Kohli believes his side has the momentum to claim an unprecedented Test series victory in Australia after prevailing by 31 runs in the Adelaide Oval series-opener.
Much of the focus prior to the series had been on Kohli, who scored four centuries last time India toured Australia, being the key to India's success.
But Kohli's below-par performance in Adelaide, where he made three and 34, proved no impediment for India as stoic No.3 Pujara and attacking No.5 Rahane scored crucial runs to emphasise the gulf in batting experience between the two sides.
Man of the match Pujara turned the game with a determined 123 in India's first innings and added 71 in the second dig.
Kohli was also effusive about the more expressive Rahane, who scored a stylish 70 in the second dig.
"I think Ajinkya batted superbly as well, so fearless and positive," Kohli said.
"That's his game and that's his template; taking their bowlers on and not being intimidated. He has confidence in his own space which I think is the most important thing for him.
"And the fact that he could do it in the first game, we have seen him build on it in Australia in the past. If he can bat like that every Test match, I think, he certainly can take away the game from the opposition and set the game in a session."
Kohli said India's quicks were benefiting from their improved fitness and ability to bowl at pace for longer periods.
"Especially with the Kookaburra, we have not been able to sustain that pressure long enough in the past," Kohli said.
"I think to take 20 wickets with four bowlers, away from home, especially with a ball that does not offer you that much is something we can be proud of."
Share
