Virat Kohli makes his intent clear in India's first practice session

Virat Kohli nicely warmed up for the T20Is against Australia with an extensive net session here on Sunday. Kohli, as often is the case, was among the first ones who headed into the nets. The focus was clearly on playing the short ball as he faced a barrage of rising deliveries in his 45-minute session. Having roared back to form with a much awaited hundred in Asia Cup, the spring in Kohli's stride was palpable. The star batter had stepped out to even the likes of Rashid Khan in the Asia Cup displaying supreme confidence. He was in a similar mindset in the nets on Sunday, charging down to the spinners for those straight hits down the ground.

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Speaking to media ahead of the three-match T20 international series against Australia starting in Mohali on Tuesday, Rohit said the team management has absolute clarity on the role of each player in the squad.

He struck that hundred against Afghanistan as an opener, igniting the debate over his batting slot. Whether he bats at the top or his usual number three spot, Kohli realises the need to attack from the get go in the shortest format. Kohli is ready to get out of his comfort zone to follow the team's new template and a rare sweep shot during the Asia Cup is a testimony to that.

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The seasoned Umesh Yadav was on Sunday drafted into the Indian team as veteran seamer Mohammed Shami's replacement for the three-match T20I series against Australia.

One of his finest T20 innings, 82 not out versus Australia in the 2016 World T20, came here at his very ground and now with his form and confidence