Virat Kohli's double hundred was a classy knock, says West Indies legend Vivian Richards

Antigua: West Indian legend Vivian Richards has hailed Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli’s maiden double century on day two of the first Test against the hosts as a “classy” knock.

“I think it was a magnificent hundred. To score a double hundred at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground is a formidable task in terms of what he has achieved,” Richards told the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) website on Friday.

“I remember when I met him at the hotel (before the Test series) I did say good luck, but I didn’t believe he would take it this far in terms of achieving a double. As a batsman myself, it was very pleasing to see and even though it was against the West Indies, I do appreciate seeing class and his was a classy knock,” he added.

Richards said he thoroughly enjoyed the Delhi batsman’s effort with the willow. Kohli scored 200 from 283 deliveries to guide India to a commanding 566/8 along with the other centurion Ravichandran Ashwin (113).

“I think it’s very special and for those of us here in Antigua and Barbuda (too), who appreciate seeing good knocks and seeing good batsmen perform.”

“Those who weren’t here missed something, but I saw it and I am happy to say that it’s the first time I saw (Virat) Kohli make century and to see him complete the double. I was here to speak, so I had a very good seat and I thoroughly enjoyed that,” he said.