Virat Kohli savoured a "classic" MS Dhoni innings which sealed a series-levelling six-wicket one-day international victory over Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Dhoni's place in the India limited-overs sides has been called into question in certain quarters, but the former captain played the finisher role to perfection yet again on Tuesday.

The wicketkeeper-batsman made an unbeaten 55 from only 54 balls to get the tourists home in the final over after a 39th ODI hundred from Kohli (104).

Axed Test batsman Shaun Marsh made 131 from only 123 deliveries as Australia posted 298-9 on a sweltering day, but India pulled off a superb run chase to set up a decider at the MCG on Friday.

Dhoni called for treatment as he struggled in the heat, but smashed his second six off the first ball of the final over from Jason Behrendorff and sealed victory with a single from the next delivery.

Kohli said of the 37-year-old: "There's no doubt that he should be a part of this team.

"When you haven't played so much cricket, you take a bit of time to get back into the groove, and tonight was an MS classic," Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

"He takes the game till the end, but only he knows what's going on in his mind, he calculates the game so well. He backs himself to hit those big shots when required. So hats off to him."

Kohli also praised the role played by Dinesh Karthik, who made 25 not out from only 14 balls.

"Dinesh as well, just taking a little bit of pressure off him at that stage when he [Dhoni] was tired," Kohli said. "I think Dinesh came in and showed the right kind of intent and put those quick runs on the board that were required.

"But yes, MS was as composed as ever. He kept me calm in there as well. He thought I was going to get over-excited and play a bad shot, but that's how we bat well together. We try and help each other, and tonight was special for both of us."