WATCH: Kohli taking nothing for granted against Australia

Australia begin the opening Test in a scorching Adelaide on Thursday on a run of poor form and without batting powerhouses Steve Smith and David Warner, who remain banned.

Without them, India could have a golden opportunity to break their series drought.

But dangerman Kohli -- who electrified viewers with viral footage of a pre-Test batting exhibition in the nets -- said he was taking nothing for granted.

"I personally don't think any Australian side is vulnerable at home," he said at his pre-match press conference, where a 12-man squad was named that included a recall for veteran opener Murali Vijay.

"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 will depend on how Kohli, who has accumulated 1,063 runs in 18 Test innings this year, performs on a ground he admits is his favourite away from home.

"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."

If his aggressive net session on Tuesday is anything to go by, Australia's bowlers will have their work cut out.

"Wow," was all former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist could muster after watching him in action, while ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan tweeted: "I get the sense he is in the mood!" 

WATCH: Kohli in the nets