by Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer — he’s a phenomenon.
Known worldwide as India’s “run machine,” Kohli has dominated cricket across all formats with his hunger for runs, incredible fitness, and unmatched consistency.
While his ODI and T20 records speak volumes, it’s in Test cricket where Kohli truly shows his class.
Test cricket demands patience, mental strength, and the ability to bat for long hours under pressure. And Kohli has mastered this art beautifully.
Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries in Test Cricket
Between 2016 and 2019, Kohli went through a golden period where he seemed unstoppable. Every time he walked to the crease, opponents knew they were in for a long day.
But how many double centuries has Virat Kohli scored in Test cricket, and what makes each one so special?
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What Is “Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries in Test Cricket”?
Virat Kohli has scored seven double centuries in Test cricket — each showcasing his power, patience, and perfection with the bat.
These seven massive scores came between 2016 and 2019, a period when Kohli was at his absolute peak as both batsman and captain.
Each double hundred tells a unique story of dominance, discipline, and determination.
Quick Summary: Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries
Here’s a complete look at Virat Kohli’s double centuries in Test cricket:
| No. | Opponent | Venue | Year | Score | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Indies | Antigua | 2016 | 200 | India won by an innings and 92 runs |
| 2 | New Zealand | Indore | 2016 | 211 | India won by 321 runs |
| 3 | England | Mumbai | 2016 | 235 | India won by an innings and 195 runs |
| 4 | Bangladesh | Hyderabad | 2017 | 204 | India won by 208 runs |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | Nagpur | 2017 | 213 | India won by an innings and 239 runs |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | Delhi | 2017 | 243 | Match drawn |
| 7 | South Africa | Pune | 2019 | 254* | India won by an innings and 137 runs |
As you can see, India won almost every match where Kohli scored a double century. That’s the mark of a true champion — converting personal milestones into team victories.
Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries Explained One by One
Now let’s dive deeper into each of these incredible innings. Every Virat Kohli double century in Test cricket has its own story worth telling.
🏏 1. 200 vs West Indies (2016 – Antigua)
This was where it all began. Kohli’s first-ever Test double century came in the Caribbean against the West Indies in July 2016.
What made it special:
- Kohli’s first-ever double ton — a milestone every batsman dreams of
- A patient knock of exactly 200 runs that showed his growing maturity
- Marked the start of his golden era in Test cricket
- The only one of his seven double hundreds was scored outside India
India declared at 566/8 and went on to win by an innings and 92 runs. Kohli had announced his arrival as a Test cricket giant.
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🏏 2. 211 vs New Zealand (2016 – Indore)
Just three months after his first double century, Kohli was at it again. This time at home in Indore against New Zealand.
What made it special:
- Kohli’s first double century on home soil
- Built a massive 365-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane — one of the best partnerships in Indian Test cricket
- Came from 366 balls, showing his ability to pace an innings perfectly
- India dominated and won by over 300 runs
This knock proved Kohli could do it at home as well as away. The partnership with Rahane allowed India to declare at 557/5, putting New Zealand under immense pressure.
🟩 Also read: Virat Kohli Total Runs in All Formats — see how far his run-scoring journey goes!
🏏 3. 235 vs England (2016 – Mumbai)
What a year 2016 was for Kohli! His third double hundred came in December against England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
What made it special:
- His third double century in just one calendar year
- A captain’s knock against England’s strong bowling attack featuring James Anderson and Stuart Broad
- Scored 235 from 340 balls with 25 fours and one six
- Helped India reach 631 and win by an innings — pure dominance
As captain, Kohli led from the front. This innings showed his ability to handle pressure and responsibility while still piling on runs.
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🏏 4. 204 vs Bangladesh (2017 – Hyderabad)
The double centuries kept flowing into 2017. This knock against Bangladesh in Hyderabad created history.
What made it special:
- Kohli became the first player ever to score four double centuries in four consecutive series
- This was a faster knock — 204 runs from just 240 balls with 24 fours
- Showed Kohli’s attacking side while maintaining control
- India won by 208 runs
This record shows Kohli’s incredible consistency. To score double hundreds in four straight series is almost unbelievable. It’s like scoring a century every time you play — but twice as hard!
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🏏 5. 213 vs Sri Lanka (2017 – Nagpur)
Later in 2017, Sri Lanka became Kohli’s victims in Nagpur. This was another masterclass from the Indian captain.
What made it special:
- Another captain’s knock showing leadership and skill
- Scored 213 from 259 balls with 15 fours and two sixes
- India declared at a massive 610/6
- Won by an innings and 239 runs
- Kohli was named Player of the Match for his leadership and batting
By now, bowlers around the world knew: when Kohli gets set, he’s going to bat big. Very big.
🏏 6. 243 vs Sri Lanka (2017 – Delhi)
Just one Test match later, in the very next game of the series, Kohli did it again! This time in Delhi.
What made it special:
- His highest score at that point in his career
- Came in the very next match after his previous double century
- Scored 243 from 287 balls with 25 fours
- Sri Lanka batted brilliantly to save the match — the only time India didn’t win after Kohli’s double hundred
This back-to-back double century in the same series showed Kohli was in ridiculous form. The fact that Sri Lanka managed to draw showed how dominant Kohli’s innings was — they had to bat out of their skins just to survive.
🏏 7. 254* vs South Africa (2019 – Pune)
This is the crown jewel of Virat Kohli 200s in Test matches. His career-best Test score came against South Africa in Pune in 2019.
What made it special:
- Kohli’s career-best Test score — 254 not out
- An unbeaten knock full of timing, patience, and class
- Came from 336 deliveries showing incredible concentration
- India crushed South Africa by an innings and 137 runs
- Proved Kohli’s leadership strength as captain
This remains Virat Kohli’s highest Test score and his most recent double century. It’s a knock that perfectly summarizes everything Kohli is about: discipline, hunger, and excellence.
Comparison: Kohli vs Other Double Century Legends
How do Virat Kohli’s double centuries in Test cricket compare to the all-time greats? Let’s look at the numbers:
| Player | Country | Test Double Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| Don Bradman | Australia | 12 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 11 |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 9 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 7 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 7 |
| Wally Hammond | England | 7 |
With seven double centuries, Kohli stands among the top players in Test cricket history. He’s tied for fourth place with legends like Mahela Jayawardene and Wally Hammond.
What’s even more impressive? Kohli achieved this in the modern era of Test cricket, where bowling attacks are stronger, pitches are more challenging, and the game is more competitive than ever before.
The fact that he’s close to Brian Lara’s nine double hundreds shows just how special Kohli’s Test career has been.
What Makes Virat Kohli Special in Test Matches?
Understanding Virat Kohli’s double centuries in Test cricket requires understanding what makes him different from other batsmen:
- Focuses on long innings rather than quick runs — Kohli has the patience to bat all day. He doesn’t rush. He builds his innings carefully and then accelerates when the time is right.
- Strong mental discipline and fitness — Test cricket is mentally exhausting. Kohli’s incredible fitness allows him to concentrate for hours without losing focus. His mental strength helps him fight through tough situations.
- Excellent ability to convert hundreds into double hundreds — Many batsmen score hundreds but get out soon after. Kohli has the hunger and concentration to push on. When he crosses 100, he thinks about 200.
- Sets an example as captain and role model — Most of Kohli’s double centuries came while he was captain. He led by example, showing his teammates how to bat with responsibility and passion.
- Adapts to different conditions — Whether against spin or pace, at home or away, Kohli finds a way. His technique is solid enough to succeed anywhere.
FAQs About Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries
- How many double centuries has Virat Kohli scored in Test cricket?
Virat Kohli has scored 7 double centuries in Test cricket, all between 2016 and 2019 during his peak years as a batsman and captain.
- What is Virat Kohli’s highest Test score?
His highest Test score is 254 not out, which he scored against South Africa in Pune in 2019. This is also his highest score in all forms of cricket.
- Has Virat Kohli scored a double century in ODIs or T20s?
No, Kohli has not scored a double century in ODIs or T20s. His highest ODI score is 183 against Pakistan, and his highest T20I score is 122 not out against Afghanistan.
- Which year was Kohli’s best in Tests?
The period from 2016 to 2017 was Kohli’s golden era. He scored five double centuries in just over a year, showing incredible consistency and dominance.
- How many Test centuries does Virat Kohli have in total?
As of 2024, Virat Kohli has scored 29 Test centuries, including his 7 double hundreds. This puts him among India’s greatest Test batsmen ever.
- Did India win every match where Kohli scored a double century?
India won 6 out of 7 matches where Kohli scored a double century. The only exception was his 243 against Sri Lanka in Delhi, which ended in a draw.
- Where did Kohli score his first Test double century?
Kohli scored his first Test double century in Antigua against the West Indies in July 2016. It remains his only double hundred scored outside India.
- What is the Virat Kohli double hundred list ranking all-time?
With 7 double centuries, Kohli is tied for 4th place all-time, alongside Mahela Jayawardene and Wally Hammond. He trails only Don Bradman (12), Kumar Sangakkara (11), and Brian Lara (9).
Conclusion:
Virat Kohli’s double centuries in Test cricket represent some of the finest batting performances in modern cricket.
Each of his seven double hundreds showcases patience, passion, and perfection — the three pillars of Test cricket excellence.
From his first double ton in Antigua to his career-best 254 against South Africa, every Virat Kohli 200 in Test matches tells a story of dominance.
These innings didn’t just win matches for India; they inspired millions of cricket fans worldwide.
While Kohli hasn’t scored a Test double century since 2019, his legacy is already secure. With seven double hundreds, he stands alongside the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
Whether he adds more to this list or not, what he’s already achieved places him among the legends of the game.
His ability to convert hundreds into double centuries, bat for entire days, and lead his team to victory makes him truly special.
The Virat Kohli double hundred list will be remembered for generations as a testament to one of India’s greatest cricketers.
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