India captain Virat Kohli hit 254 not out to help his side declare on 601-5 on day two of the second Test with South Africa in Pune.
Kohli’s seventh double century in Tests saw him surpass his previous career-best score of 243, which came against Sri Lanka in December 2017. His knock also saw him go past Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (both with six) to become India’s greatest accumulator of Test double hundreds.
India’s declaration in the evening session was followed by three wickets for the hosts, with South Africa closing out the day on 36-3, trailing India by 565 runs.
Kohli began the day unbeaten on 63 and advanced to his century – his 69th in international cricket – from 173 balls. Alongside Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli helped put on 178 for the fourth wicket before Rahane fell for 59 off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj.
254* for Kohli.
India have declared on 601-5. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/QJQgZpa7bg
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 11, 2019
India’s No.4 then went to his double ton from 295 balls; the landmark also saw him reach 7,000 Test runs from his 138th Test innings. Only Wally Hammond (131), Virender Sehwag (134) and Sachin Tendulkar (136) have reached the figure in fewer innings.
Kohli then went from 200 to 250 in the space of 39 balls. The dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja for 91 prompted India’s declaration. By passing 250, Kohli became the first Indian Test captain to breach the landmark. His 336-ball innings included 33 fours and two sixes.
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Umesh Yadav then removed both of South Africa’s openers inside the first four overs of the Proteas’ innings, before Mohammad Shami took the final wicket of the day, dismissing Temba Bavuma for 8.
India currently lead the three-match Test series 1-0.
