India had started off the day at their overnight score of 302/4, with the two batsmen looking to bat as long as possible.
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Kohli became the first Indian captain to score a double century overseas when he clipped off-spinner Roston Chase for a single in the last over before lunch with India at 404-4.
India’s captain Virat Kohli kisses the field after scoring a double-century during day two of the first cricket Test match against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Friday.
He was bowled by West Indies quick Shannon Gabriel (2-61) in the second ball after lunch. Ashwin, who has two centuries against West Indies to his name, was now looking comfortable with 64 runs at a Test average of 67.80 against West Indies. Kohli, who resumed the second day on a personal score of 143, reached the 150-run mark with a superb pull off Gabriel for a boundary. West Indies now have 18 overs before the day’s play ends.
He continued to enjoy the excellent support of Ashwin, a gritty, determined battler who has made the most of that generous slice of luck to reach a seventh Test half-century.
In reply, West Indies openers seemed set to see off the remaining overs but Mohammed Shami – the first change bowler – gave the early breakthrough as he got rid of Chandrika cheaply.
Earlier after tea, Thursday, Kohli put on 57 runs for the fourth wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (22) as the duo looked to build after losing both Shikhar Dhawan (84) and Cheteshwar Pujara (16) in the second session of play.
A stand of 168-run was broken, but Ashwin was in no mood to relent.
Meanwhile, Kohli continued his march without any discomfort at all. At the other end, Amit Mishra was unconquered on 23. Every partnership barring the opening one, went past the 50-run mark, two of them over 100.
This is the first double century for Kohli at the First Class level with his previous highest being 197. His previous best in the game’s longest format was 169 against Australia in 2014 at Melbourne.
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Playing on a pitch well suited for batting under the sunny Carribbean sky, the duo studiously avoided taking too much risk, focussing instead on keeping the run rate ticking on at a steady slow rate. Saha looked positive during his stay 88-ball stay in which he scored 40 runs but was out stumped to part-timer Kraigg Brathwaite.
