Most Double Centuries By Indian Captains In Test Matches
Virat Kohli has hit seven double tons as Indian captain (Twitter)
In the world of cricket, a Test match is like a five-day-long drama, full of twists and turns, where patience and skill are put to the ultimate test. In this format, scoring a double century is a colossal achievement. But when the captain of the team, the leader, steps up to score those 200 runs, it's not just a performance: it's a statement.
Here, at OneCricket, we dive into a fascinating aspect of Indian cricket history: the most double centuries scored by Indian captains in Test matches. Indian cricket, with its rich legacy and a fervent fanbase, has seen many a great player lead the team. Yet, only a handful of these leaders have gone beyond the usual benchmarks to score 200 runs or more in an innings.
From the modern-day maestro Virat Kohli to the elegant Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, these captains have not only led their teams but also etched their names in the record books with their exceptional batting performances. Here’s a look at the Indian captain with the most double centuries in Test cricket.
1. Virat Kohli - 7 Double Centuries
Virat Kohli (Twitter)
Kohli, widely regarded as one of the modern greats in cricket, has an illustrious record, particularly in Test cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style and sharp leadership, Kohli has scored seven double centuries as the captain of the Indian team, a feat that underlines his dominance in the longest format of the game. His journey of double tons began in 2016 against West Indies, where he scored a formidable 200, setting the tone for his future exploits.
In the same year, he notched up 211 against New Zealand and an impressive 235 against England, showcasing his ability to score big against top cricketing nations. His appetite for runs continued in 2017 with a commanding 204 against Bangladesh, followed by two more magnificent innings against Sri Lanka, scoring 213 and 243, respectively.
Kohli's highest score in Test cricket came in 2019, an unbeaten 254 against South Africa, reflecting his exceptional skill and endurance. His ability to play long innings with remarkable consistency has not only etched his name in cricket history but also inspired many upcoming cricketers.
2. MS Dhoni - 1 Double Century
MS Dhoni (Twitter)
MS Dhoni, one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket, is renowned for his calm nature and exceptional leadership skills. In 2013, Dhoni demonstrated his batting skills in the Test format by scoring a colossal 224 against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
This innings was proof of his attacking capabilities, as he hit 24 fours and 6 sixes, dominating the Australian bowling attack. His double century not only contributed significantly to India's total but also marked his entry as the fourth Indian captain to achieve this milestone in Test cricket. Dhoni's innings was all about grit and fight, characteristics that defined his career both as a batsman and as a captain.
3. Sachin Tendulkar - 1 Double Century
Sachin Tendulkar (Twitter)
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the 'God of Cricket', has an array of records to his name in an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Among his numerous achievements, Tendulkar scored one double century as a captain, which came against New Zealand in an Ahmedabad Test in 1999. His knock of 217 runs off 344 balls, laced with 29 fours, was a display of technical brilliance and concentration.
This innings not only highlighted Tendulkar's ability to anchor the innings but also showcased his skill in manoeuvering the ball across the field. Although he scored six double-hundreds in his Test career, this particular innings stood out for its significance under the added pressure of captaincy.
4. Sunil Gavaskar - 1 Double Century
Sunil Gavaskar (Twitter)
Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, is often credited with setting high standards for opening batsmanship in Test cricket. His remarkable career is dotted with numerous memorable innings, one of which was a double century scored while captaining India against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in 1978.
Gavaskar's 205, scored in 342 balls with 29 fours and 2 sixes, was a classic display of his impeccable technique and temperament. Known for his ability to face some of the fiercest fast bowlers of his era with grace and resilience, this innings by Gavaskar was proof of his status as one of the greats of the game.
5. MAK Pataudi - 1 Double Century
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (Twitter)
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, known for his charismatic leadership and stylish batting, was a trailblazer in Indian cricket. His contribution to Indian cricket is not just limited to his innovative captaincy but also includes memorable batting performances, notably his double century against England at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.
Scoring 203 runs in 430 deliveries, Pataudi showcased elegance and determination. His innings, peppered with 23 fours and 2 sixes, was a significant achievement, especially considering the challenging conditions and the quality of the opposition. This double ton was a milestone, as it marked the first instance of an Indian captain scoring a double century in Test cricket, paving the way for future generations.
 "Jatin")
