Calcutta/Colombo: The first Test in Galle turned out to be near-perfect for India. Still, there will be a point or two where the team needs to just brush up a little bit, feels captain Virat Kohli.

Speaking on the eve of the second Test at the SSC, Kohli said: "One thing we need to be aware of is when there is a partnership or when the situation is not firmly in our control, we then need to have more composure and more discipline. We do need to have more discipline and composure at times.

"As I said, there always will be a few scratches here and there when you are playing Test cricket after March. It is always nice to understand the things you lack in and build some momentum as the series progresses.

"So, in that sense, Tuesday's practice was really good. The guys were hitting their areas really well and I am pretty confident that those areas we identified in the first game will be rectified and we can move ahead and improve on those things starting from this game."

Kohli justified bringing Lokesh Rahul, who missed the first Test due to injury, back in the XI straightaway and open the innings. "It is very important from that point of view specifically because Rahul played the practice game as well and looked really solid.

"He has batted really well in the last couple of seasons for us. As I said, it is very important for us to make him feel that this is his spot. And it won't be changed because of unfortunate events that happen outside the playing field or the injuries that you can't control. You have to get stronger in that phase and Rahul has really stuck it out in that phase.

"It's been hard for him because he was batting so well and then he had to go out because of injury.

"It is very important to make him feel secure and he deserves it because he has given us those big performances when the team has them required the most. He is a guy that needs to be backed and we as a team and me as captain back him 100 per cent," the captain elaborated.

So then, who would be the one Rahul replaces - the in-form Shikhar Dhawan and or Abhinav Mukund, who scored important runs in the second innings in Galle?

Kohli replied: "I feel in a situation like this, you need to sit down and think which player has had more impact on the game and who has been able to make that difference in the game straightaway.

"It all depends on who has had a better game, to be honest. It's a pretty thin line, it is a very small margin but unfortunately, that is how the sport goes sometimes and things do happen in a team environment. The guy who sits out will understand the reasons behind it.

"Not to say that those people are not being backed, but it's just that whatever combination we as a team feel we should take on the field, we back that and we take that call. And it is up to the individuals who are involved in that decision to understand it's for the best interest of the team.

"Guys are professional enough to know that, but I think in a scenario like this, you will always think of a guy who has had more impact on setting up the game or winning the game for the team."

Talking about the SSC pitch, Kohli reckoned it's a result-oriented track with a good covering of grass on it. "The wicket looks pretty nice and hard underneath with good covering of grass. The last time around as well, we thought it was a great wicket for Test cricket. Batsmen had to apply themselves to get runs, as bowlers were in the game throughout. It is a wicket where you will get a result on for sure.

"That excites us, as it's something we look forward to as a team and this is the kind of wicket that we always like to play on, where we have a chance to make an impact on the game throughout. I really enjoyed playing here last time and I think it's a great wicket for Test cricket."

As for the team combination on this "result-oriented" track, Kohli wants to keep everyone guessing. "All kinds of possibilities are there when you have a big squad. We don't like to announce anything a day prior, it's sort of a surprise for the opposition.

"Looking at the conditions, we could go with anyone. Everyone is prepared to take the field. We always name 12 players anyway in our meetings.

"Looking at things in the morning, if the wicket sort of changes, then we'll take a call. According to what we've seen in the wicket, we already have a combination in mind," he made it clear.