Kohli reflects on India's rise to summit

Virat Kohli's first full tour as India's Test captain was against Sri Lanka two years ago, and he has reflected on the country's rise to the top of the world Test tree since.

MS Dhoni shocked the cricket world with his sudden retirement in the aftermath of the 2014 Boxing Day Test match and it was Kohli who took over in the new year to face Steve Smith at the SCG coin toss, ushering in a generational change for the two nations.

While Michael Clarke returned from injury as Australia embarked on a fourth successive unsuccessful Ashes tour in the winter of 2015, Kohli steered his side to 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka.

As he prepares to lead his side on another tour of the subcontinent island nation, Kohli reflected on the journey India has made since his maiden series at the helm, which has seen them win their past seven Test series and claim the World No.1 mantle.

"Transition, initially, can take a few months, but after that it is mentally how much you are ready to be at that level that counts," Kohli told reporters in Colombo.

"When we started our plans to come back on track in Test cricket, what we asked the guys was, 'How much belief do you have?'

Quick Single: Kohli, Shastri enter new era with a smile

"If a guy has played 100 matches against a guy who has played 10 games, has more belief than you, he is going to end up doing well on the field.

"This is a game which rewards the brave and the one who is willing to put the hard yards. That is something we have respected as a team and worked towards.

"Guys have started looking at these scenarios as opportunities rather than looking at it as a pressure scenario because now they feel privileged and they want to have the opportunity to play for the country and everyone wants to make a mark, not just sit on the sidelines and watch other people just go on with their business.

"So I am sure these guys are hungry."

Kohli said the approach of his players was typified by Murali Vijay, who was initially selected in the India squad before being replaced by Shikhar Dhawan when it became clear the opener wasn't over the wrist injury he picked up during Australia's visit earlier this year.

"Vijay was back with his rehab, he was playing a game but he felt like he wasn't up there and it's a credit to him for conveying that to the selectors and being honest in telling us that he won't be able to be match-fit because there is a lot riding on a Test match," Kohli said.

"That's the kind of culture that has been created in the last few years, that people are honest and they take ownership."

Quick Single: ICC clear Lankan Eranga's bowling action

Kohli has endured a lean year by his own expectations. Since scoring 204 and 38 against Bangladesh in February, he managed just 36 runs in three Tests against Australia.

But there would be no better opponent for him to rediscover his tough in Test cricket against than Sri Lanka, a side he has dominated against in all formats.

In his first Test against them, at Galle in August 2015, he scored 103, and made 78 in the next match in Colombo.

The first of three Tests begin next Wednesday in Galle, followed by matches at Colombo and Pallakele. Five ODIs and a T20 match follow.