Indian captain Virat Kohli has scored his second double hundred in a span of four months. The 27-year-old Delhi lad went on to score 211 runs from 366 balls before he was trapped leg before wicket by Jeetan Patel.
Kohli, who had never scored a double century in any format of the game, scored his maiden double century two and a half months back in July. In the first Test on the tour of West Indies, Kohli had scored a mammoth 200 from 283 balls before he was bowled by Shannon Gabriel.
With that innings of his, he became the first Indian captain to score double hundred overseas. India went on to win the first Test owing to Kohli’s batting prowess. After MAK Pataudi (203 not out against England), Sunil Gavaskar (205 against West Indies), Sachin Tendulkar (217 against New Zealand) and MS Dhoni (224 against Australia), he became the fifth Indian captain to score a double century. While India won the series in West Indies 2-0, Kohli’s performance with the bat dipped as he only scored 51 runs in three innings.
With the start of New Zealand’s tour to India, Kohli was expected to deliver the goods again but until the third Test he had only scored 81 runs in four innings. Before the start of the third Test at the Indore stadium, it was anticipated that a big knock from Kohli is around the corner.
The captain led from the front and went on to score his second double hundred. He now holds the record of being the only Indian captain who has two double centuries to his name. With his score of 211, he missed MS Dhoni’s score of 224, which is the highest by any Indian captain. MS Dhoni scored 224 runs in 265 balls against Australia in Chennai, 2013. India won that match by eight wickets.
.@imVkohli becomes first captain of India to score two Test double hundreds pic.twitter.com/eIcuxdmFuD
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2016
On Day 1, Kohli’s celebrations after reaching his hundred were delayed as he survived a direct hit. Once the third umpire ruled ‘Not Out’, Kohli was seen celebrating in his own style. In 48 Test matches, Kohli has 13 Test centuries and 12 half-centuries at an average of 45.93.
The first century of the @Paytm Test Cricket #INDvNZ series goes to #TeamIndia skipper @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/uLwNEAjVv8
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 8, 2016
The captain was well supported by the vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane who scored 188 runs from 381 balls. With 18 fours and four sixes in his innings, Rahane scored his eighth century and missed out on his first double century.
.@ajinkyarahane88 celebrates after he brings up his 8th Test Century @Paytm Test Cricket #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/L8hDaAYwI8
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 9, 2016
The duo together added 365 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. India declared the first innings at 557/5.
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman and BCCI president Anurag Thakur congratulated the captain for his splendid knock.
Take a bow @imVkohli What a splendid display of focus,positivity and determination Keep it up #indvsnz @BCCI
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 9, 2016
Outstanding display of class & temperament by @imVkohli to get his 2nd Test double ton. #whataplayer #leadingfromthefront #indvsnz @BCCI
— Lt. Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 9, 2016
