Kohli, 29, recorded his second successive double ton in third Test of the three-match series to go past West Indies great Brian Lara, who had five scored off 200 or more as captain-Photo: File

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli Sunday became the first international captain to hit six Test double centuries after he cracked a career-best 243 against Sri Lanka in New Delhi.

Kohli, 29, recorded his second successive double ton in third Test of the three-match series to go past West Indies great Brian Lara, who had five scored off 200 or more as captain.

In-form Kohli, fresh from his 213 in India´s thrashing of Sri Lanka in the second Test in Nagpur, achieved the feat in the first session of day two after he pulled paceman Suranga Lakmal for a couple of runs.

The Delhi-born star, battling a back problem, batted for over seven hours from day one as smashed 25 boundaries in his 287-ball stay at the crease.

He was finally trapped lbw by left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan in the afternoon sesison but not after surpassing his previous Test best of 235 against England.

Nicknamed King Kohli, the prolific run-getter has also scored double tons against West Indies, New Zealand, England and Bangaldesh - and all have come as captain since early in 2016.

He joined batting greats Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in India´s list of most double hundreds by batsmen in Tests.