Virat Kohli Double Centuries in Test Cricket: A Comprehensive List of Kohli’s 200s in Test Matches

List of virat kohli 200s in test matches: Virat Kohli needs no introduction to cricket fans around the world. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era across all formats. However, Kohli’s phenomenal record in Test cricket often gets overshadowed by his exploits in ODIs and T20Is. 

With 70 international centuries already under his belt, Kohli’s hunger for big scores is insatiable. This is exemplified by his incredible feat of scoring 7 double hundreds in Test cricket so far. He is only behind legends like Don Bradman (12), Kumar Sangakkara (11), Brian Lara (9), and Sachin Tendulkar (6) in the list of most double centuries in Tests.

Virat Kohli Double Centuries in Test Cricket

Let’s take a closer look at each of Virat Kohli’s record 7 double centuries in Test matches for India:

1. 200 vs West Indies in North Sound, July 2016 

Kohli’s first-ever double century in Tests came against West Indies in July 2016. Batting first after winning the toss, India lost early wickets before Kohli stabilized the innings.

He shared a 105-run stand with Dhawan and 168-run partnership with Ashwin as India posted a massive 566/8 declared. Kohli remained unbeaten on 200 off 283 balls including 24 fours. 200 in this test made him the first Indian captain to score a double ton outside Asia. India won by an innings and 92 runs.

Virat Kohli IPL Centuries List

2. 211 vs New Zealand in Indore, October 2016

The third Test against New Zealand saw Kohli’s second double hundred in the space of just three months, making him a prominent player in the double century list. Kohli again showcased his leadership skills by opting to bat and delivering an exceptional performance, scoring 211 off 366 balls.

His remarkable innings was complemented by a phenomenal 365-run partnership with Rahane, contributing to India’s declaration at 557/5. Kohli’s knock featured 21 fours and a six, demonstrating his mastery in the game. India’s dominant display continued as they bowled out the Kiwis twice, securing a resounding 321-run victory.

3. 235 vs England in Mumbai, December 2016 

By the end of 2016, captain virat Kohli already had three double centuries to his name, with the third coming against England. With the series tied at 2-2, India batted first and piled up 631, powered by Kohli’s sublime 235. He batted for 340 balls, hitting 25 fours and a six. The captain led by example as India gained a vital first-innings lead of 231 runs and won by an innings and 36 runs. 

4. 204 vs Bangladesh in Hyderabad, February 2017

India hosted Bangladesh for a one-off Test in February 2017. Kohli continued his golden run by slamming 204 in the first innings to take India to a mammoth 687/6 declared. Kohli faced just 246 balls and struck 21 fours and a six. India dismissed Bangladesh twice to win the match by 208 runs.

5. 213 vs Sri Lanka in Nagpur, November 2017

Kohli racked up his fifth Test double hundred in November 2017 against Sri Lanka. With the series already in the bag, Kohli chose to bat first and pulverized the Lankan bowlers yet again. He scored 213 off 267 balls, with 22 fours and a six. India declared at 610/6 and went on to crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs.

6. 243 vs Sri Lanka in Delhi, December 2017

In the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in December 2017, skipper Kohli was a man on a mission. He smashed his sixth double ton, scoring 243 off 287 deliveries. Kohli struck 24 fours and a six as India posted 536/7 declared. The match ended in a draw but India won the series 1-0.

7. 254* vs South Africa in Pune, October 2019

Kohli’s seventh and highest Test double century came against South Africa in 2019. With India opting to bat first, Kohli displayed supreme concentration and skill to remain unbeaten on 254. He faced 336 balls and stroked 33 fours and 2 sixes. India declared at a monumental 601/5 and went on to win by an innings and 137 runs as Kohli scaled new heights.

Takeaways from Kohli’s Incredible 7 Double Hundreds in Test Cricket

• Kohli scored 4 double centuries in 2016 and 3 in 2017, showcasing remarkable consistency.
• His 254* against South Africa is his highest Test score. He batted for 11 and a half hours!
• All his double tons have come as captain, highlighting his leadership by example. 
• Kohli scored three back-to-back 200s against England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.  His first five double centuries came in India while the first two were scored overseas.
• Kohli’s incredible conversion rate is evident from his 7 double tons in only 81 Tests.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s insatiable appetite for mammoth scores has seen him rack up a phenomenal 7 double centuries already in Test cricket. He seems destined to break all batting records by the time he retires. For now, fans can continue admiring King Kohli’s brilliance with the bat, especially when he decides to bat for days together and make daddy hundreds.