Every time Virat Kohli scored a Test double century, the match tilted India’s way
It wasn’t just a number when Virat Kohli scored a double century in Test cricket. It meant the match was about to go India’s way. These weren’t just big scores, these were statements. Across seven innings, Kohli didn’t just stand out, he took control, built momentum, and buried the opposition. Let’s revisit how each of those knocks turned the tide for India.
1. 200 vs West Indies, North Sound (2016)
This was Virat Kohli’s first double century in Tests, and it came right at the start of the West Indies tour. After early wickets, he walked in and built a 100-run stand with Dhawan, then a huge 168-run partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin. His 200 made sure India crossed 550, and the team went on to win the match by an innings and 92 runs. A strong start and a captain’s message.
2. 211 vs New Zealand, Indore (2016)
In this third Test, India were already ahead in the series. Kohli, partnering with Ajinkya Rahane, added 365 runs for the fourth wicket. His 211 featured flawless timing and shot selection. India declared at 557, bowled out New Zealand twice, and sealed a massive 321-run victory. This was one of his most composed big innings.
3. 235 vs England, Mumbai (2016)
England had posted a strong first innings total of 400. Kohli, batting under pressure, took India to 631 with his career-best at the time. His 235 included a 241-run partnership with Jayant Yadav, which remains one of India’s highest lower-order partnerships. India won the match by an innings and 36 runs. It was a defining knock in a high-pressure series.
4. 204 vs Bangladesh, Hyderabad (2017)
Against Bangladesh, Kohli made sure the scoreboard kept ticking. After Vijay and Pujara’s solid start, Kohli walked in and hit 24 fours in a brisk 204 off 246 balls. With support from Rahane and Saha, India posted 687 and won the game by 208 runs. Even against a less threatening team, Kohli’s focus didn’t drop.
5. 213 vs Sri Lanka, Nagpur (2017)
This one was all about control and intensity. After Sri Lanka’s 205, India responded with 610. Kohli’s 213, along with hundreds from Vijay, Pujara, and Rohit, completely broke Sri Lanka’s hopes. He didn’t just build a lead, he crushed the morale. India won by an innings and 239 runs.
6. 243 vs Sri Lanka, Delhi (2017)
Just days after his Nagpur double, Virat Kohli did it again. On a flat pitch in Delhi, he scored 243 with 25 boundaries. A 293-run stand with Vijay, then 165 more with Rohit, took India to 536. The match ended in a draw, but Kohli’s consistency and hunger stood out.
7. 254 vs South Africa, Pune (2019)*
This was his highest Test score and probably his most flawless. Unbeaten on 254 off 336 balls, Kohli was in complete control. India declared at 601. South Africa had no answers, bundled out twice, and lost by an innings and 137 runs. It was dominance from start to finish.
What these innings proved
In every one of these seven games, Kohli’s double centuries shifted the balance in India’s favour. Whether it was through building partnerships, absorbing pressure, or accelerating when needed, Kohli always knew what the situation demanded. That’s why his double centuries don’t just look good on paper, they’re remembered for the impact they had.
