Captain Virat Kohli hits double ton to end India's 84-year wait

North Sound (Antigua), July 22: Captain Virat Kohli ended India's 84-year wait in an overseas Test when he hit his maiden double century against West Indies here today (July 22).

; Fans hail Kohli on Twitter

On the 2nd day of the first Test, Kohli became the first ever Indian skipper to hit a double hundred in an away Test. This was also Kohli's maiden 200 in his first-class career. He scored 200 off 283 balls with 24 boundaries.

Virat Kohli celebrates his 200 by kissing the pitch

His best in Tests before this match was 169 against Australia in Melbourne in 2014 in Mahendra Singh Dhoni's final Test.

The 27-year-old's best in first-class cricket before Friday was 197 for Delhi against Pakistan's Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in the Mohammad Nissar Trophy in September 2008, at his home ground - Feroz Shah Kotla. (Kohli matches Dhoni's record)

The previous best by an Indian captain in an overseas Test was 192 by Mohammad Azharuddin against New Zealand in Auckland in 1990. (Ind-WI series schedule)

Rahul Dravid held the previous record for the highest Test score by an Indian captain in the West Indies. He had scored 146 in Gros Islet in June 2006.

According to noted statistican Mohandas Menon, India have played 247 Tests abroad and no captain from the country had managed to breach the 200-run mark until Kohli achieved the feat.

Kohli plays a shot on way to double century

India played their first ever Test in June 1932, against England at Lord's under the leadership of CK Nayudu.

Overall, Kohli is the 5th Indian captain to score a Test double ton. Dhoni (224 Vs Australia in Chennai, 2013), Sachin Tendulkar (217 Vs New Zealand in Ahmedabad, 1999), Sunil Gavaskar (205 Vs West Indies in Mumbai, 1978) and MAK Pataudi (203 not out Vs England in Delhi, 1964) are the other four, all achieved in home Tests.

Today, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Kohli resumed from his overnight score of 143. He reached his 200 off 281 balls, in the last over before lunch, playing a ball from offspinner Roston Chase to the midwicket area.

As soon as Kohli reached the milestone and started celebrating by kissing the pitch, head coach Anil Kumble took out his camera and captured the memorable moments and applauded the right-hander's magnificent knock.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who is part of the TV commentary team, too joined in to appreciate the innings.

At lunch, India were 404/4 with Kohli unbeaten on 200. He is playing in his 42nd Test. He has 12 centuries so far in the format. In the 1st over after lunch, Kohli was bowled for 200 by paceman Shannon Gabriel.

It a surprise that no Indian captain since 1932 ie in 84 years, spanning 247 Tests has managed to make 200+ in an away Test match!#WIvInd
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 22, 2016