Virat Kohli insists that suggestions of Australia’s vulnerability after the ball-tampering scandal are unfounded.

The star batsman leads India on their tour as they try to win their first Test series Down Under.

Australia will begin the opening Test at Adelaide on Thursday, weakened by the absence of banned duo Steve Smith and David Warner.

However, Kohli is adamant that the hosts remain formidable at home even without the batting powerhouses.

“I personally don’t think any Australian side is vulnerable at home,” he said at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

“You cannot take any side for granted. Whatever happened, the skill level is still there. However much you talk or behave, it’s your skill that counts.

“They still have the skill to dominate at home. We’re not taking anything for granted.”

Much is expected of Kohli in this series and recent footage of him in the nets has only served to increase the hype.

“I love coming to this ground, the city in general,” he said.

“That’s not to say that performances are always guaranteed in a certain place, but at Adelaide I feel different from many other places.”