Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer; he is an era in Indian Test cricket. When discussions arise about dominance, consistency, and hunger for big scores, one name always stands tall โ Virat Kohli. Among his many remarkable achievements, Virat Kohliโs double centuries in Test cricket symbolize his mental toughness, fitness, and unmatched hunger for runs.
Scoring a double century in Test cricket is one of the toughest achievements in the sport. It requires patience, stamina, technique, and supreme concentration over long periods. Virat Kohli didnโt just score one or two โ he rewrote history by smashing multiple double hundreds, many of them as Indiaโs Test captain.
Virat Kohliโs double centuries in Test cricket, including match context, records, captaincy impact, and frequently asked questions.
How Many Double Centuries Does Virat Kohli Have in Test Cricket?
Virat Kohli has scored 7 double centuries in Test cricket, all for India.
What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is:
- All 7 double centuries came as Test captain
- He holds the record for most double centuries by a Test captain
- He surpassed legendary players in this elite list
Complete List of Virat Kohli Double Centuries in Test Cricket
1. 200 vs West Indies โ Antigua, 2016
Virat Kohliโs first-ever Test double century came during Indiaโs tour of the West Indies in 2016.
- Runs: 200
- Balls Faced: 283
- Fours: 24
- Sixes: 0
This innings marked a turning point in Kohliโs Test career. It showed his ability to play long, disciplined innings overseas. India dominated the match, and Kohliโs leadership was evident throughout.
2. 211 vs New Zealand โ Indore, 2016
Just a few months later, Kohli delivered another marathon knock.
- Runs: 211
- Venue: Indore
- Strike Rate: Aggressive yet controlled
This innings displayed Kohliโs hunger for big scores. He punished loose deliveries while maintaining composure against quality bowling. India secured a massive victory, and Kohli won widespread praise for his consistency.
3. 235 vs England โ Mumbai, 2016
This innings is often regarded as one of Virat Kohliโs finest Test performances.
- Runs: 235
- Opposition: England
- Venue: Mumbai
Facing a strong English side, Kohli played a captainโs knock under pressure. His footwork against spin and shot selection were near perfect. This double century sealed the series for India and showcased Kohliโs dominance at home.
4. 204 vs Bangladesh โ Hyderabad, 2017
Kohli continued his golden run in Test cricket with another massive score.
- Runs: 204
- Balls: 306
- Match Type: One-off Test
This innings was a lesson in concentration and stamina. Kohli converted a solid century into a double hundred, reflecting his belief that โhundreds are not enough.โ
5. 213 vs Sri Lanka โ Nagpur, 2017
Another masterclass followed against Sri Lanka.
- Runs: 213
- Venue: Nagpur
- Highlights: Dominance against spin
This innings underlined Kohliโs peak form in Test cricket. He controlled the game completely, setting up a huge Indian total and crushing Sri Lankaโs morale.
6. 243 vs Sri Lanka โ Delhi, 2017
This was Virat Kohliโs highest Test score.
- Runs: 243
- Venue: Delhi
- Duration: Over 7 hours at the crease
Kohli showed immense patience and hunger. Even after reaching 200, he kept batting with intensity. This innings highlighted his elite fitness and mental discipline.
7. 254 vs South Africa โ Pune, 2019*
Virat Kohli saved his best for last.
- Runs: 254* (Not Out)
- Opposition: South Africa
- Venue: Pune
This is one of the greatest Test innings by an Indian captain. Kohli remained unbeaten, dominated the South African bowling attack, and declared at the perfect moment. This knock cemented his legacy as a modern Test great.
Unique Records Set by Virat Kohliโs Double Centuries
Virat Kohliโs double centuries in Test cricket have resulted in several historic records:
- Most double centuries by a Test captain
- First player to score six consecutive double centuries as captain
- Most double centuries for India in Test cricket
- Only Indian captain with seven Test double hundreds
- Fastest Indian captain to multiple double centuries
These records highlight not only Kohliโs batting excellence but also his ability to lead from the front.
Why Virat Kohliโs Double Centuries Are Special
1. Mental Toughness
Batting for long hours requires intense focus. Kohliโs ability to maintain concentration sets him apart.
2. Elite Fitness
His exceptional fitness allowed him to convert centuries into double centuries consistently.
3. Captaincy Impact
Most of his double hundreds came while leading the team, often in crucial matches.
4. Aggressive Mindset
Kohli believes in dominating bowlers rather than just surviving.
Virat Kohli vs Other Legends (Double Centuries Comparison)
- Virat Kohli: 7 double centuries
- Sunil Gavaskar: 4
- Sachin Tendulkar: 6
- Rahul Dravid: 5
Despite playing fewer Tests than some legends, Kohli surpassed many of them in double centuries, proving his extraordinary peak.
Impact on Indian Test Cricket
Virat Kohliโs double centuries changed Indiaโs approach to Test cricket:
- Encouraged aggressive batting
- Set new fitness benchmarks
- Inspired young players to aim for big scores
- Strengthened Indiaโs dominance at home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many double centuries does Virat Kohli have in Test cricket?
Virat Kohli has scored 7 double centuries in Test cricket.
2. What is Virat Kohliโs highest Test score?
His highest Test score is 254 not out against South Africa.
3. Did all Virat Kohliโs double centuries come as captain?
Yes, all seven double centuries were scored while he was Indiaโs Test captain.
4. Which team did Virat Kohli score the most double centuries against?
He scored multiple double centuries against Sri Lanka and England.
5. Is Virat Kohli the record holder for Test double centuries as captain?
Yes, he holds the world record for most Test double centuries by a captain.
6. When did Virat Kohli score his first Test double century?
He scored his first double century in 2016 against West Indies.
7. How many double centuries does Sachin Tendulkar have in Tests?
Sachin Tendulkar scored 6 double centuries in Test cricket.
8. Which was Virat Kohliโs fastest double century?
His double century against Sri Lanka in Nagpur (2017) was among the fastest in terms of dominance.
9. Has Virat Kohli scored a double century overseas?
Yes, he scored 200 against West Indies in Antigua.
10. Why are Virat Kohliโs double centuries important?
They reflect his leadership, consistency, mental strength, and impact on Indian Test cricket.
Conclusion
Virat Kohliโs double centuries in Test cricket are more than just numbers โ they are statements of dominance, discipline, and leadership. Scoring seven double hundreds in the longest format, all as captain, places him among the greatest Test cricketers of all time.
His legacy is not just about runs but about changing the mindset of Indian cricket. Even as records may be broken in the future, Virat Kohliโs double centuries will always remain a golden chapter in Test cricket history.
