Virat Kohli feels no reason to respect some Australian cricketers, claiming their words spurred him on to a career-high 169 in the Boxing Day Test.
Animosity has been a constant factor in Australia's four-Test series against India.
But relations reached boiling point at the MCG on Sunday, when Kohli lashed the hosts with bat and mouth to lift the tourists to 8-462 at stumps.
Kohli spearheaded an incredible Indian fightback on day three of the third Test, putting on a record-breaking stand worth 262 runs with fellow centurion Ajinkya Rahane.
Kohli regularly clashed with Mitchell Johnson, who dismissed him with the final ball of the day as Australia looked to defend their once-imposing total of 530.
The 26-year-old was even more forthright after play.
"They were calling me a spoilt brat," Kohli told reporters.
"I said 'maybe that's the way I am - I know you guys hate me and I like that'.
"I don't mind having a chat on the field and it worked in my favour.
"I like playing against Australia because it's very hard for them to stay calm.
"It really excites me and brings the best out in me. They don't seem to be learning the lesson."
Kohli, fined for an altercation which came between his two centuries at Adelaide Oval during the first Test, didn't stop there.
"I respect a few of them but if someone doesn't respect me I've got no reason to respect them," Kohli replied, when asked if he respects Johnson.
Ryan Harris was stunned when told of Kohli's words, but eventually returned fire.
"We try not to say too much to him, but sometimes he brings it on himself I guess when he starts it," Harris said.
"It's never personal, it's always a bit of fun.
"It's interesting to hear him say that. It's probably a good thing. If he's worrying about stuff like that, hopefully his batting goes down hill."
Harris suggested the entire Australian team respected Kohli.
"Because he has come out and his bat does the talking," he added.
"If that (banter) doesn't stay out there ... he needs to have a look at that."
Australia dropped two catches in a heated second session - Kohli on 88 and Rahane on 70.
In between, Kohli almost dropped his bundle after a run-in with Johnson.
Attempting a run-out after Kohli had defended the second new ball back to him, paceman Johnson's throw struck the batsman on the leg.
Kohli hit the ground, prompting the fiery left-armer to immediately apologise.
It looked to be cordial enough until the end of the over, when umpires stepped in to end a slanging match between the pair.
"I was really annoyed," Kohli said.
"I told him 'that's not on, try to hit the stumps next time'.
"I don't mind giving a word back and neither does he. So it kept going on."
Kohli was rattled and offered two chances before regaining his composure to reach triple figures before tea.
Brad Haddin's second spectacular catch of the day meant Johnson finally got his man, but not before conceding the biggest fourth-wicket Test stand at the MCG and India's best partnership at the venue.
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