Johnson takes aim at 'missing' Kohli

Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has taken aim at Virat Kohli on social media, saying the India superstar "went missing" during last year's Cricket World Cup semi-final loss.

Kohli today told reporters he thrives in situations when opposition teams attempt to throw him off his game through sledging, in particular against Australia, saying "if anything, it motivates me more".

But Johnson questioned whether Kohli could stand the heat when the pressure was on after reading Kohli's words on Twitter.

"Love it!! Went missing in WC semi last yr when it really counts," Johnson tweeted in response to a cricket.com.au headline .

Chasing Australia's imposing 7-328 at the SCG in the World Cup semi-final, Kohli was out for just one, top-edging a fire-breathing Johnson to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

However, Australia allrounder Shane Watson, who played alongside Johnson in that semi-final, says neither sledging or staying quiet was worked in unsettling Kohi in the past.

"We’ve tried a few different things," Watson said. "It hasn't really worked.

"The silent treatment, we thought might work but he still just goes about his business and is able to churn out the runs.

Quick Single: Kohli up for passion challenge

"And we've also gone fairly hard at him as well, at times.

"I've only ever seen it effect for him about two balls, once (at the MCG in 2014), and I dropped him at slip.

"He knows his game incredibly well and whichever way we go we're just going to have to be at our best to try and get him out early.

"Because once he gets in he certainly knows how to put pressure on bowlers."

Quick Single: Answering the Kohli question

Kohli and Johnson had a heated exchange during 2014's Boxing Day Test match and the pair have long had a fractious relationship.

And Kohli isn't the first Indian batsman Johnson has let fly at on Twitter.

Earlier this month, Johnson shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma's inability to face left-arm fast bowling.

But Johnson, replying to a fan, said it was just banter, and that Rohit is a "big boy" who wouldn't be fussed.