India captain Virat Kohli has Joe Root in his sights on the occasion of the Englishman’s 100th Test, pinpointing his opposite number as the home side’s number one target in the forthcoming series.

Kohli was part of the India team when Root made his debut appearance in Nagpur nine years ago and the pair have been bound together for most of the time since.

As well as emerging as their respective country’s leading batsmen and graduating to captaincy duties, for several years they have been bundled alongside Steve Smith and Kane Williamson in the sport’s so-called ‘big four’.

The efforts of deputy skipper Ajinkya Rahane Down Under has led to some suggestion that he would be a viable alternative to Kohli, allowing the latter to focus on his batting.

Rahane has already shot down the idea and Kohli insists the pair are absolutely unified.

“Things are very different from the outside compared to what happens in the changing room,” he said.

“I’d like to mention that Jinks fulfilled his responsibility in Australia with flying colours and it was amazing to see how he led the team to victory. It is evident on the field that we enjoy each other’s company, it’s a mutual respect.

“I discuss a lot of things with him to get more clarity and a different perspective. That partnership, that camaraderie will continue to be the same as it has been.”