Virat Kohli Becomes India's Most Successful Overseas Test Captain

Virat Kohli-led Team India thrashed West Indies by 318 runs on Sunday to take a one-nil lead in the two-match Test series. While India were definitely the favourites to win the game, not many would have expected such an easy ride for the visitors. Just a few months ago this year, West Indies had totally outplayed England in Tests and were expected to give India a run for their money.

West Indies did start the game on a positive note by dismissing India for a modest 297 in the first innings. But from thereon, things did not go their way. They were all out for just 222 in their first innings to concede a 75-run lead. In reply, India rode on a century from Ajinkya Rahane and fifties from Virat Kohli, Hanuma Vihari to declare on 343 for 7 and set the hosts an improbable target of 419.

In reply, West Indies collapsed spectacularly to be bowled out for just 100. With India’s pacers breathing fire, West Indies stood no chance at all. Half of their side was back in the pavilion with just 15 runs on the board. At one stage, they were reeling at 50 for 9. But thanks to a 50-run stand between Miguel Cummins and Kemar Roach, the hosts managed to touch the 100-run mark.

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For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show with the ball. The pacer picked up 5 for just 7 runs while Ishant Sharma took three wickets to lead the demolition job. The 318-run is now India’s biggest overseas win in terms of runs.

Skipper Virat Kohli, meanwhile, entered the record books after the win. He has become India’s most successful skipper in overseas Tests after registering his 12th overseas win as a captain.

that Virat Kohli has now won overseas as India skipper. He has broken Sourav Ganguly’s record (11 overseas wins) to become India’s most successful captain in away Tests. Virat Kohli broke Sourav Ganguly’s record (11 overseas wins) to become India’s most successful captain in away Tests. Kohli registered his 12th win in his 26th Test. MS Dhoni (6) and Rahul Dravid (5) are third and fourth respectively.

Overall, it was Kohli’s 27th win in Tests as captain. He is now tied with MS Dhoni with the joint-most number of victories as India captain.