Cheteshwar Pujara has revealed the sledge aimed at Australia vice-captain David Warner that landed the Indian batsman in hot water with the umpires on the fiery final day of the second Test in Bengaluru.

And in a series that has quickly reached its boiling point, ace spinner Ravi Ashwin has also been vocal, suggesting Steve Smith's self-described "brain fade" on day four was the type of behaviour he expected to see in an "under-10 game" as opposed to a Test match.

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Pujara was spoken to by English umpire Richard Illingworth during Australia's second innings after verbal volleys flew between the Indian and the tourists' batsmen.

In an interview posted on the BCCI website conducted by teammate Ravi Ashwin after India levelled the series on Tuesday, Pujara said he was reminding Warner of Ashwin's prolific record against the left-hander.

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"'Pujji' (Pujara) is not someone who generally says anything but, today, he got into a bit of trouble ... why did you get into trouble with Richard Illingworth?" Ashwin asked Pujara.

Pujara answered: "They were talking a lot and probably sledging is something which, as a unit, we felt that we can give them back".

"They were always under pressure when they walk into bat. I wanted to make sure their batsmen are thinking about it," Pujara added.

"Especially David Warner. Whenever he walks in to bat, Ash is always happy.

"So I always keep reminding him that Ash is the one (bowler who has dismissed Warner more than any other in Tests)."

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In 12 Tests against Warner, Aswhin has dismissed the explosive opener nine times, two more than the Australian's Ashes rival James Anderson.

Ashwin, who claimed 8-125 in the second Test and has 15 wickets for the series, including Warner on three occasions, says he has the upper hand on the dual Allan Border Medallist.

"When you have the edge on somebody and you have the sword on somebody, it just makes it that much easier," Ashwin said.

While Pujara targeted Warner, Ashwin had some choice words for his rookie opening partner Matt Renshaw.

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"There was a lot of banter on the second day because we had to come back. We had to pump ourselves up," Ashwin said.

"They were having a lot of chat on the park when we were actually going out to bat and we were down (on day one).

"It's very easy to have a chat when you're down.

"I told Matt Renshaw when he was batting in the first innings that if they didn't score big, I'll have them for soup and dessert.

"I was very happy it happened."

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The flashpoint of the contest came midway through day four when Smith and non-striker Peter Handscomb looked at their team viewing area while discussing whether to challenge Smith's lbw dismissal.

Smith called the incident a "brain fade" and admitted he shouldn't have done it before India skipper Virat Kohli said he'd seen the Australians look in the vicinity of their support staff at least twice while he was batting throughout the Test.

The governing bodies of both teams have staunchly backed their captains, but Ashwin said he was shocked by the actions of his Indian Premier League teammate.

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"Steven Smith actually turned back and actually asked the dressing room if he could take a review," Ashwin said.

"That is completely unheard of. The last time I thought that would happen was in an under-10 game, when my coach used to suggest where point fielders and cover fielders used to stand.

"I've got a lot of respect for Steven Smith, but that was very, very surprising."