India captain Virat Kohli has laid bare the bitter divide between his team and Australia, declaring he will never be friends with any member of the opposition involved in an incredibly heated four-Test series.
The contrast between Kohli and Australia skipper Steve Smith, the two protagonists in a series that featured plenty of bad blood and captivating cricket, could hardly be sharper following India's eight-wicket win in the series decider.
Smith offered an apology for letting his "emotions, actions falter a little bit throughout this series", adding the tourists were outplayed by the top-ranked Test side in Dharamsala.
Kohli fronted the press despite playing no part in the high-stakes clash because of his shoulder injury. The firebrand paid tribute to Australia's "relentlessness" and skill, but was scathing of their character.
Kohli claimed prior to the first Test he was "really good friends with all these guys off the field". On Tuesday, he confirmed that is no longer the case and never will be.
"It has changed," Kohli said.
"I thought that was the case, but it has changed for sure.
"That has certainly changed and you won't hear me say that ever again."
Smith expressed hope last week the bitter rivals would share a beer following six weeks of acrimony. Based on Kohli's comments that almost certainly won't happen.
Smith asked Ajinkya Rahane, who led India in the absence of Kohli and is a teammate of his at Indian Premier League club Pune, about the prospect after play. India's stand-in skipper replied he would get back to Smith.
Smith has a history of run-ins with Kohli. The pair have never been close.
Kohli's pre-series comment raised a few eyebrows in the touring party, with many wondering who he was talking about.
Kohli, who folded with the bat in all five of his innings during the series, refused to answer a follow-up question about what sealed the falling out.
The 28-year-old accused Australia of systematically cheating in the second Test by seeking illegal advice from support staff regarding reviews. The only example was Smith, who contritely called his misdeed a "brain fade".
Kohli was left seething by the conduct of Glenn Maxwell and other Australians during the third Test, feeling they mocked his shoulder injury.
Kohli shook his head after a low catch from Murali Vijay was ruled not out by the third umpire in the fourth Test, which prompted Smith to bark "f***ing cheat" on the balcony of Australia's rooms.
"I have been very intense and in my own little bubble and at times I have let my emotions, actions falter a little bit," Smith said.
"I apologise for that.
"That's something I can really learn from."
Kohli, who took exception to many things uttered by Smith, Nathan Lyon and other Australians during the series, declared India will never "take a backwards step from anyone".
"This team, regardless of whether we are on top or not, we speak," Kohli said.
"We take it very well and we give it back even better.
"A very wise person told me that when a person is down, the weak come out and speak about him. It takes courage to speak about someone when they are on top."
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