Former England captain Nasser Hussain feels Virat Kohli has instilled a fighting attitude in the current Indian team, which does not get bullied by adversities.

Hussain warned England to be ready for a tough one in the four-Test series against India.

“Any side that can go to Australia, go 1-0 down after being bowled out for 36, lose Kohli because he’s going home on paternity leave, lose your bowling attack and still come back and win after some of the stuff that went on off the field in Australia, they won’t be bullied,” he told Sky Sports.

“They are a tough side. I think Kohli has instilled that. Make no mistake, at home, they are a formidable outfit.”

Insisting that England will head into the India assignment with plenty of confidence after the 2-0 series sweep of Sri Lanka, Hussain urged the visitors to field their best XI in the first Test.

Hussain had earlier taken strong objection to England’s decision to rest Jonny Bairstow for the first two India Tests. “...all I would have asked is turn up to Chennai with your best 13 to 15 players.

“I think England fans have earned the right for their best team to be there that first day. If it means (Stuart) Broad and (James) Anderson playing together because it’s a bit green, worry about the Ashes down the line.”