Virat Kohli Rues Pull Shot That Turned Adelaide Test Australia's Way

Virat Kohli was a disappointed man for sure but he showed no emotions after India lost the first Test against Australia by 48 runs at Adelaide on Saturday. Having struck back-to-back centuries in a thrilling Test match, Kohli refused to bask in the glory of his fabulous performance and instead rued the pull shot that led to his exit and India's slide to defeat.

"It was one of those mistakes. I will look back and probably say that I could have played a different stroke," Kohli said in a post-match chat. The stand-in Indian captain pulled a short of length and sharp turning ball to find the gap between long-on and mid-wicket but managed to find Mitchell Marsh in the deep. It was the biggest turning point of a dramatic Day 5 as India collapsed to defeat.

"Never thought of a draw at any stage. Last night I told the boys we will chase any target they set us. I was confident that I could do it. I only needed support," Kohli said. (Scorecard | Blog | Pics)

Kohli applauded Lyon for breaking India's back in the second innings. The Aussie off-spinner took seven for 152 in the second innings and with a 12-wicket haul in the game, was adjudged Man of the Match in an emotional game for the hosts. "All credit to Lyon. He put the ball in the right spots," said Kohli.

Kohli, who scored a century on his Test captaincy debut, said the onus on winning the Adelaide was on him and Murali Vijay. The duo put on 185 runs for the third wicket, but Vijay's exit on 99, put the Australians on top in the final session of the match.

"If we could have added another 40-50 runs, it would have been a different story, but that's the way Test cricket is. One slip and Australia took it. It was a great game of cricket and the boys put up a strong fight. No regrets," said Kohli. (Read: David Warner Admits he Crossed the Line vs Varun Aaron)

Kohli congratulated the Australians "for showing character after 10 tough days". The entire Australia team went through an emotional turmoil after former teammate Phillip Hughes died on the pitch after being hit by a bouncer during a Shield match at Sydney. Skipper Michael Clarke batted through pain and scored a century after retiring hurt. David Warner also slammed twin tons.

Known for his aggressive style, Kohli said he was fine with Australia's approach to cricket. "They play the same way I believe in and their win was commendable," Kohli said, adding: "Enjoyed the captaincy although didn't sleep well in the last five days."