Kohli carries weight of expectations

India have denied they are over-reliant on captain Virat Kohli but the numbers would suggest the champion batsman is carrying his team this series.

In last night's loss to Australia in Ranchi, Kohli scored a brilliant 123, his second consecutive ODI century and 41st in his remarkable career, but his side still fell 32 runs short of victory.

In three matches to date, Kohli has scored 36.7 per cent of India's total runs – 283 out of 771 – in a series that is 2-1 in India's favour but could be very different had Australia held their nerve in the second match in Nagpur where they lost by just eight runs.

His run-scoring this series has seen the India skipper's batting average climb above 60 for the first time – an incredible feat given he has played 225 matches – to currently sit at 60.08 ahead of the final two ODIs.

Kedar Jadhav (81no) and MS Dhoni (59no) are the only other players to register a half-century in the series – both scored in the opening win in Hyderabad – with Australia's versatile attack taking 20 wickets in the past two matches.

India batting coach Sanjay Bangar says the hosts are not dependent on Kohli, instead suggesting the skipper's incredible performances are simply taking the spotlight off his teammates deeds with the bat.

"At various junctures, various players chipped in," Bangar said.

"In Adelaide (in January), we had 300 to chase, Dhoni chipped in and helped Virat chase that score and even DK (Dinesh Karthik) contributed in that match.

"Even if you see the first match of this series, Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni contributed, so it's not that we are over-reliant on one particular individual, but the thing is that the level that Virat has raised his game to, the performances of other players don’t seem to be that special since what he has been doing."

During Kohli's rampage last night, Australia were virtually helpless in curtailing his run-scoring spree but found success dismissing his batting partners at the other end.

By taking regular wickets, it increased the required run rate and forced Kohli to push the envelope with his stroke-play, which led to his dismissal – bowled by leg-spinner Adam Zampa attempting to whip a googly for a third-straight boundary.

But Australia skipper Aaron Finch says the only way to beat India is to dismiss Kohli, because with him at the crease no target is big enough despite how strong a position his opposition might be in.

"You've got to get him out to win," Finch said today in Ranchi.

"To have them 3-30 in the powerplay (chasing 314 to win) and then to get so close still (shows) you have to get him out to win the game.

"There's none of that sitting back and waiting for him to make a mistake because he makes very few of them.

"It's about making sure we keep committing to our plans and trying to find that weakness, particularly early in his innings.

"Once he's in he so dominating, so damaging, he can play all around the wicket."

What is scary for Australia is that Kohli rates last night's innings as one of his finest when it comes to pure timing.

He struck 14 fours and one six, his sole maximum an ironically mistimed lofted drive over long-on that just cleared the fielder on the rope. Once he saw the ball sail safely for six, Kohli kissed his bat in relief.

"I just felt really clear in my head from ball one and even after three down I told myself I have to play my game, I can't think of what's going to happen if I play my shots," Kohli said after play on Friday.

"I have to ply the game that has gotten me to this level and that's the same thing I want to continue out there in the middle.

"I was really disappointed I got out, I really felt like we had a chance with a difference of 20 between balls and runs.

"That's what happens, Australia played better on the day. Adam (Zampa) bowled well and they deserved to win."

Zampa now has claimed Kohli's wicket three times this tour, and five times in 11 innings of international cricket.

"Virat is unbelievable, but it was nice to get him out," Zampa said at the post-match presentation.

"I definitely do not want to call Kohli my bunny, he's one of the hardest folks to bowl to.

"When he hit me for two consecutive fours, I was under a bit of pressure, and if he had hit me for a couple more then the momentum would've swung towards India, so I tried to keep my cool.

"The message from the coach is to 'look for wickets', so on grounds like these you will go for runs. Having an attacking mindset helps. I've been inconsistent, so looking to get better."

Zampa finished with 3-70, but the key scalps of Kohli, MS Dhoni and Jadav helped turn the match for Australia.

Qantas Tour of India

First T20: Australia won by three wickets

Second T20: Australia won by seven wickets

First ODI: India won by six wickets

Second ODI: India won by eight runs

Third ODI: Australia won by 32 runs

Fourth ODI: March 10, Mohali

Fifth ODI: March 13, Delhi