Virat Kohli's glorious test journey: A look back at his iconic double centuries

After representing India in 123 Test matches since his debut against the West Indies in Kingston on June 20, 2011, Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12. The 36-year-old right-handed batter from Delhi, who last played a Test in January 2025 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, shared the news via Instagram.


Throughout his Test career, Kohli delivered numerous unforgettable performances, including twin centuries during his debut as Test captain against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in December 2014, and a hundred in India’s first-ever Day-Night Test against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in November 2019.

Kohli captained India in 68 Test matches between December 2014 and January 2022 and holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian batter in Tests, with a total of seven to his name.

Take a look at the seven double centuries scored by Kohli in Test cricket:

1. 200 vs West Indies – July 2016, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua
Kohli’s first-ever double century came in the Caribbean, marking a historic moment as he became the first Indian captain to score a double ton overseas. He played a composed and commanding knock against the West Indies, laying the foundation for India’s innings victory. This remains his only Test double century scored outside India.

2. 211 vs New Zealand – October 2016, Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Just months later, Kohli followed up with another impressive double, this time on home soil. Against a strong New Zealand attack, he crafted a flawless 211, helping India post a mammoth total. It was the first-ever Test match played at the Holkar Stadium, and Kohli made it memorable with his masterclass.

3. 235 vs England – December 2016, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Kohli was in red-hot form during the England series, and his 235 at the Wankhede Stadium stands out as one of his finest Test innings. Battling a quality English bowling attack and pressure situations, Kohli’s double ton was instrumental in securing a decisive win for India.

4. 204 vs Bangladesh – February 2017, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
In India’s historic one-off Test against Bangladesh, Kohli once again showcased his dominance with the bat. His 204 helped India post a huge total, giving the team complete control of the match. The innings was filled with elegant strokes and aggressive intent.

5. 213 vs Sri Lanka – November 2017, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
Kohli continued his purple patch with yet another double hundred, this time against Sri Lanka. He anchored the innings with 213, demonstrating excellent patience and shot selection. His performance paved the way for a comprehensive win for India.

6. 243 vs Sri Lanka – December 2017, Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi
Kohli followed up his Nagpur knock with an even bigger one in Delhi. His 243 was a marathon innings, showcasing supreme fitness and concentration. Although he was controversially run out and missed a potential triple century, it remains one of his most talked-about Test innings.

7. 254 vs South Africa – October 2019, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune*
Kohli’s highest Test score came in this match, an unbeaten 254 against South Africa. It was a near-perfect innings where he looked untroubled by the bowlers throughout. This double ton highlighted his unmatched ability to convert starts into big scores and remains a benchmark of his Test career.