Brilliance of India's Virat Kohli frustrates England bowlers in Pune

Morgan did not count his chickens when the tourists posted 350-7 – their highest ever score against India – in Pune, but by the time the chase had slumped to 63-4 he had his side well ahead of the game.

The limited-overs parameters are shifting by the series, though, and in Kohli India have a colossus capable of besting almost any equation when the mood takes him.

Kohli showed nerves of steel and glorious technique on his way to 122 – his 27th ODI century – and found a perfect ally in Jadhav, the hometown favourite who hammered 120 in just 76 deliveries.

Between them they put on 200 in 24.3 overs, broke the back of the target and set up a three-wicket win.

“Going into the second half we weren’t thinking India were out of the game but at four down we’re thinking ‘we’re odds on here’,” Morgan said.

“I think it hurts more because we had them 63-4. That’s what hurts the most.

“We were right into the middle order. Virat was still in but we had one end to bowl at.

“We certainly didn’t expect Jadhav to come out and play like that, but credit to him. To strike it from ball one and give us no chances, you take your hat off to him.”

Kohli is not just world cricket’s most formidable chaser he has also been consistent thorn in England’s side. He piled on 655 at an average of more than 100 in the Test series before Christmas and looks ready to cash in again against the white-ball unit.

Morgan, as with Alastair Cook before him, was ultimately left clutching at straws as he assessed Kohli’s contribution.

“There is always something you can do even when he’s in and at times the plans weren’t too far from working,” he said.

“There was a ball that just went over (Alex) Halesy’s head...on another day that goes to hand, they’re five down and we’re into them. But he’s a fantastic player and he’s proved that over a long period of time.”