India concede they're missing Kohli

Having grinded their way to a dominant position midway through day two of the fourth Test, India are behind the eight-ball at stumps after Australia’s resilient bowling attack suffocated the hosts to hold the upper hand.

So it came as no surprise to hear opener KL Rahul say after play that India could use a touch of the inspiration, energy and aggression of their injured firebrand skipper Virat Kohli.

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Australia’s bowling quartet dried up the runs during the second session before off-spinner Nathan Lyon snared four wickets late in the day leaving Rahul to lament the absence of his wounded skipper.

"We are missing Virat Kohli," Rahul told reporters after day two in Dharamsala.

"Somebody like that we’ve all played under him and he’s been a huge influence on everybody in the team and he always sets great examples for us.

"I know he leads from the front and his aggression and energy is something that would have been really good for us.

"We need to learn to put our hands up and take the pressure and the responsibility sometimes.

"This game is a good opportunity for the rest of the guys to stand up and be counted."

Kohli was rubbed out of the final Test after he failed to recover from the shoulder injury he sustained on the opening day of the preceding Test in Ranchi.

While the rumours of his participation in the Test changed as frequently as the winds circling the scenic Himalayas that loom over the HPCA Stadium, Kohli eventually ruled himself out after he was unable to return to 100 per cent fitness by match start.

In five innings this series the 27-year-old had scored only 46 runs, but his enthusiasm and presence on the field has been unmatched by any player.

Despite the setback, Kohli said on match eve that if he was to be ruled out, it would give his charges the chance to rise to the challenge without perhaps the world’s best batsman in the XI.

"I’m sure guys will still take it as an opportunity to still take the team ahead," Kohli said on Friday, when he was still uncertain about his immediate playing future.

"Everyone is really proud and motivated to play for their country and me playing or not playing shouldn’t make so much of a difference to the other 10 guys because they have a responsibility to fulfil as well.

"I’ve not done anything special in the series so far but still the guys have fought it out and that shows why we are the No.1 team in the world.

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"We have quality players in the side who want to step up.

"I’m sure if that situation happens I’m sure those guys are looking at it as a game-changing moment in their lives."