Virat Kohli scored back-to-back double centuries against Sri Lanka. (Source: AP)
Virat Kohli began the year with a double century against Bangladesh in Hyderabad and it looks likely that he would end the year with a double century as well following yet another double-ton against a sub-continent side. The Indian skipper slammed his sixth double century with Sri Lanka at the other end at his home ground of Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi.
On the second day of the third Test against Sri Lanka, Kohli brought up his second consecutive double century – following his 213 run knock in Nagpur – from 238 balls while accumulating 20 boundaries during that period. Kohli began the day’s play, alongside Rohit Sharma, from 156 runs and much like the opening day’s play, he was barely bothered by the Sri Lankan bowlers.
6th double hundred for Virat in less than 500 days. Special players make it count and Virat Kohli is extra special. Amazing intent right from the beginning.#INDvSL
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 3, 2017
The visitors used the old ball for a considerable period before opting for the new ball but Kohli’s prowess and Sri Lanka’s lacklustre was made clear on just the first ball with Suranga Lakmal veering on the pads and the skipper casually clipping the ball towards the on-side region for a boundary with little fuss. That shot itself could sum up how Kohli played and how easy he had. And the same could be said for his knock in Nagpur.
Till 2016, Virat Kohli didn't have a single double century. Now he has six. Shows you that great players make a good phase really count.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 3, 2017
Kohli survived a loud appeal for leg before just as he approached the 200-run mark. Batting on 195, Sri Lanka appealed long and loudly for a leg before off Dilruwan Perera but the on-field umpire adjudged it to be not out. As it went upstairs, it was confirmed that it was indeed not out.
Virat Kohli (R) gestures after scoring a double century against Sri Lanka. (Source: AP)
With the ball pitching on off stump and sliding through, Kohli was saved by a thick inside edge. Had it not taken the outside of the bat, it would have been curtains for the skipper. But besides that, Kohli faced little resistance and challenge from the opposition bowling.
Runs galore for King Kohli as he brings up his 6th double ton in Test cricket #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/IgKXGvMKIM
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 3, 2017
With the double century, Kohli added to his ever-growing list of records. With the double, Kohli became the first skipper to score six double centuries, equals Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag with most doubles by an Indian in Tests and sixth batsman to score consecutive double tons in Tests.
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