Batsman Shreyas Iyer concedes the nation of India weren't prepared to suffer the flogging they copped from Australia in Mumbai but insists the side's form is not terminal.
The hosts must somehow bounce back from Tuesday's 10-wicket beating and win in Rajkot on Friday night if they are to stay in the three-match series.
They will also be without dynamic wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a concussion after copping a short ball from Pat Cummins.
Pressure has mounted on the Indian team at home, with everyone from ex-players to experts critical of their strategy and batting line up.
The Indians lost 4-30 midway through their innings on Tuesday, handing the Aussies momentum before Aaron Finch and babetopcricketer.mystrikingly.com David Warner didn't give the hosts any chance.
But the players themselves maintain there is no reason why they can't rebound against Australia, citing that they have done it as recently as last month against West Indies.
"The country was not prepared to see us collapsing in such situations but it is a part and parcel of the game," Iyer said.
"You have to take it in your stride and move forward.
"We have seen that in the past as well we were 0-1 down against the West Indies, its not that as if we have lost the series.
"We can still comeback strong and that's what we discussed in the dressing room."
Virat Kohli could move back to batting at No.3 in the clash, with KL Rahul an option to drop back to No.4.
India have used three players at No.4 in the past seven games, including Iyer for four matches.
Superstar Kohli has been forced to defend his decision to move himself one spot down the order, which allowed regular openers Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Rahul to all bat in the top three.
But Iyer said there was no point the Indian team stressing about batting line ups, given the modern game demands flexibility in team structures.
"You should be ready to bat at any number because it is really important to play in the team (considering) the competition we have now," he said.
"It is very important for us to be focused and not cry about we haven't been batting at a similar position.
"Experimentation is something we are looking forward to.
Hopefully we will get a good number for each batsman."
