13 May,2025 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli (Pic: AFP)
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious red-ball career in which he played 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.
Despite a noticeable dip in form over the last five years, Kohli retires as a bona fide Test legend. In 113 matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. His 14-year-long journey in the longest format was laden with milestones, some of which may stand the test of time.
Below are three such records that might never be broken:
3 or more double tons in multiple calendar years
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Revisiting Virat Kohli's seven Test double tons that outpaced Aussie legend Bradman
While three players have scored more double centuries than Kohli's tally of seven, none of them can match a unique feat he achieved. Kohli remains the only batter in history to score three or more double centuries in two different calendar years, 2016 and 2017.
To put this into perspective, most elite players consider themselves fortunate to score three centuries in a year. Kohli went several steps further, notching up three double hundreds in successive years, a level of consistency and dominance that even the great Don Bradman didn't reach.
Highest win percentage at home as Test captain
As captain, Kohli turned India into an indomitable force, particularly at home. Under his leadership, India played 31 home Test matches, winning 24 and losing just two. His home win percentage stands at a staggering 77.41 percentage, the highest ever for any captain in the history of Test cricket.
More impressively, India did not lose a single home series during his tenure. Teams touring India under Kohli's captaincy were not just beaten; they were comprehensively outclassed. That level of home dominance may never be replicated.
Most double centuries as Test captain
Each of Kohli's seven double centuries came while leading India, a record no other captain has achieved. The next closest is Brian Lara, who registered five double tons as skipper. Other legendary captains such as Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith, and Michael Clarke fall well short of this benchmark.
