India captain Virat Kohli has won the toss and elected against Australia in the first T20 International in Ranchi.

"The weather is a massive factor in this decision," says Kohli, referring to the overhead conditions with rain predicted later in the evening.

The hosts make a couple of changes with left-arm chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav replacing Axar Patel, while Shikhar Dhawan comes in for Ajinkya Rahane.

Australia are being led by David Warner with Steve Smith ruled out with a shoulder injury.