Kohli started the four-Test series against Australia ranked second. Some judges may have regarded him as the best batsman in the world after posting a double-ton in each of India’s previous four series.

But the gap between Kohli and Steve Smith has widened – at least on the ICC’s rankings.

Kohli now has 847 ranking points after managing scores of zero and 13 in Pune then 12 and 15 in Bangalore.

The firebrand, who adopted a far more confrontational and antagonistic approach in the field during the second Test, is now within the sights of fifth-placed David Warner (794 points).

Smith (936), Kane Williamson (869) and Joe Root (848) top the charts.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke, who dined with Kohli between the first and second Tests, cautioned the visitors about getting too excited with their hot run against the superstar.

“When I see Virat Kohli’s only made 40 runs in the series I think uh-oh, look out in Ranchi,” Clarke told India Today.

“He’s going to get a double hundred.

“This man is a freak, he’s an unbelievable superstar in all three formats. He’s so disciplined in every single thing he does.”

Kohli was one of India’s most influential players in the second Test, despite his lack of runs.

The 28-year-old fired up the heaving crowd and teammates, while his verbals seemingly rattled some of the visiting batsmen.

“He’s obviously quite passionate, but I just think he’s frustrated because he hasn’t scored runs and he’s letting his emotions get the better of him,” former Australia spearhead Mitchell Johnson wrote in a recent Fox Sports column.

“He was giving a send-off to just about every player, which you’ve got to be very careful with.”

The four-Test series, currently level at 1-1, continues in Ranchi on Thursday.

TEST BATTING RANKINGS

1: Steve Smith (936 points)

2: Kane Williamson (869)

3: Joe Root (848)

4: Virat Kohli (847)

5: David Warner (794).