Debasis Sen, Antigua: It took a monumental effort from Indian test captain Virat Kohli to reach his maiden double ton here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. He also became the first Indian captain to score a hundred away from India. He eventually perished immediately after the lunch after getting played on off the bowling of Shanon Gabriel. He scored exactly 200 runs which included 24 hits to the fence and faced 283 balls.
Incidentally this also happens to be his best score in first class cricket. His previous best was the 197 runs he scored against Pakistan based Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) in the Nissar Trophy – a tournament played for three seasons between India and Pakistan domestic winners.
Kohli started his innings on his overnight score of 143* and looked confident from the start. He became the highest scoring Indian captain in West Indies when he reached 150 runs, going past the previous mark of Rahul Dravid. But he went from strength to strength as the innings progressed taking on Holder and co with subtle ease.
Much to the disappointment of the Indian fans, Kohli’s innings was watched by not more than 2000 people . The stadium wore a deserted look as he took a single off Roston Chase to reach his milestone. The few thousands at the ground gave a standing ovation to the Indian captain as he went to the lunch undefeated.