Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer. He’s a phenomenon.
Known as the “Run Machine,” Kohli has rewritten record books and set new standards in modern cricket.
His consistency, fitness, and hunger for runs make him one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
Whether it’s Test cricket, ODIs, or T20S, Kohli has dominated bowlers across formats.
Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries in Test Cricket
According to The Top Players, his ability to convert hundreds into big scores is what sets him apart from many others.
But do you know how many times Virat Kohli has crossed the 200-run mark in Test cricket?
Let’s explore all of Virat Kohli’s double centuries in Test matches — one by one.
How Many Double Centuries Has Virat Kohli Scored?
💬 Virat Kohli has scored 7 double centuries in Test cricket, between 2016 and 2019.
His first Virat Kohli double century came against the West Indies in 2016, and his most recent was against South Africa in 2019.
That remarkable innings also gave him his highest Test score: 254 not out.
What’s impressive is the speed at which these double centuries came. Between 2016 and 2019, Kohli was unstoppable.
He scored these massive innings while leading India as captain, showing both individual brilliance and leadership under pressure.
His highest Test score of 254 is also his career-best in all first-class cricket. It remains one of the most memorable innings in recent Test history.
Complete List of Virat Kohli’s Double Centuries in Test Cricket
Here’s a quick look at all Virat Kohli’s double centuries in Test cricket:
| No. | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200 | West Indies | Antigua | July 2016 | India won by innings & 92 runs |
| 2 | 211 | New Zealand | Indore | Oct 2016 | India won by 321 runs |
| 3 | 235 | England | Mumbai | Dec 2016 | India won by innings & 195 runs |
| 4 | 204 | Bangladesh | Hyderabad | Feb 2017 | India won by 208 runs |
| 5 | 213 | Sri Lanka | Nagpur | Nov 2017 | India won by innings & 239 runs |
| 6 | 243 | Sri Lanka | Delhi | Dec 2017 | Match drawn |
| 7 | 254* | South Africa | Pune | Oct 2019 | India won by innings & 137 runs |
Breakdown of Each Double Century (Explained Simply)
Let’s go through each of Virat Kohli’s 200 runs in Tests one by one.
1️⃣ 200 vs West Indies (Antigua, July 2016)
This was Kohli’s first-ever Test double century. He scored exactly 200 runs, becoming the first Indian captain to score a double hundred overseas.
The innings helped India dominate the match. They won by an innings and 92 runs. Kohli’s patience and technique were on full display.
2️⃣ 211 vs New Zealand (Indore, October 2016)
Kohli’s second double ton came on home soil. He faced 366 balls with incredible patience and discipline.
He shared a massive 365-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, and India declared at 557/5. New Zealand had no answers, and India won by 321 runs.
3️⃣ 235 vs England (Mumbai, December 2016)
This was a masterclass. Kohli scored 235 runs off 340 balls, hitting 25 fours and 1 six.
India posted a huge total of 631, and England had no chance. India won by an innings and 195 runs. Kohli’s dominance during the 2016 home series was simply unmatched.
4️⃣ 204 vs Bangladesh (Hyderabad, February 2017)
With this innings, Kohli made history. He became the first batsman ever to score four double centuries in four consecutive series.
He scored 204 off just 240 balls, smashing 24 boundaries. India won by an innings yet again, continuing their dominance at home.
5️⃣ 213 vs Sri Lanka (Nagpur, November 2017)
Kohli’s fifth double century came against Sri Lanka. He scored 213 runs off 259 balls with 15 fours and 2 sixes.
India declared at 610/6 and crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs. Kohli was named Player of the Match.
6️⃣ 243 vs Sri Lanka (Delhi, December 2017)
In the very next Test, Kohli scored another double century — his second in the same series. He made 243 runs off 287 balls with 25 fours.
This time, however, Sri Lanka fought back and saved the match. It ended in a draw, making this the only Virat Kohli double century where India didn’t win.
7️⃣ 254* vs South Africa (Pune, October 2019)
This is Virat Kohli’s highest Test score — 254 not out. It’s also his career-best across all formats.
Playing against South Africa, Kohli remained unbeaten on 254 from 336 balls.
India declared at 601/5 and won by an innings and 137 runs. Kohli was named Player of the Match for his record-breaking innings.
This remains his most recent double century as of now.
Has Virat Kohli Scored a Double Hundred in ODIs?
No. As of 2024, Virat Kohli has not scored a double century in ODIs.
His highest ODI score is 183 vs Pakistan during the 2012 Asia Cup in Dhaka.
In that match, India needed just 12 more runs to win when Kohli got out. He came close, but couldn’t reach 200.
Several Indian players like Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar have scored ODI double hundreds, but Kohli hasn’t achieved this yet.
However, he still holds the record for most ODI centuries (50), which is a remarkable feat in itself.
What Is Virat Kohli’s Highest Score in T20 Internationals?
Kohli’s highest T20I score is 122 vs Afghanistan in 2022*.
This is also his only century in T20 internationals so far. But across all T20 formats (including IPL and domestic cricket), Kohli has scored nine centuries in total.
His 122 against Afghanistan remains his highest score in the shortest format.
Kohli’s Double Centuries: What They Reveal About Him
What do these seven double hundreds tell us about Virat Kohli?
Let’s break it down:
- Consistency: Scoring 7 double centuries in just 3 years (2016–2019) shows incredible consistency.
- Fitness: Long innings like these require stamina, focus, and discipline. Kohli’s fitness regime is world-class.
- Leadership: All 7 double centuries came while he was India’s Test captain. He led from the front.
- Mental Strength: Converting hundreds into double hundreds is rare. Kohli did it seven times, showing his ability to stay focused for long periods.
- Hunger for Runs: Even after reaching 100, Kohli doesn’t settle. He pushes for more — a trait that defines champions.
FAQs:
- How many double centuries does Virat Kohli have in Tests?
He has 7 double centuries between 2016 and 2019.
- Which is Virat Kohli’s highest Test score?
254 not out vs South Africa in 2019.
- Has Virat Kohli scored a double hundred in ODIs?
No, his highest ODI score is 183 vs Pakistan.
- When was Virat Kohli’s first Test double century?
Against the West Indies in July 2016.
- How many double centuries has Kohli scored as captain?
All 7 came while he was India’s Test captain.
Conclusion:
Virat Kohli’s 7 Test double centuries prove why he’s called the Run Machine.
Scoring 200+ seven times in just three years is extraordinary.
He ranks 4th on the all-time list for most double centuries in Test cricket.
Ahead of him are legends like Brian Lara (9), Kumar Sangakkara (11), and Don Bradman (12).
Will Kohli add more double centuries to his name? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain:
“Whether or not he adds more to this list, Virat Kohli’s legacy as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen is already secure.”