Kohli receives praise for historic knock

India captain Virat Kohli has received plenty of praise following his historic innings against the West Indies on Friday.

Kohli became the first India skipper to score a double century on foreign soil when he made a tremendous 200 in the first Test in Antigua, an innings that put his country in a dominant position at stumps on day two.

Quick Single: Kohli double powers India

Kohli surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin's splendid 192 against New Zealand in Auckland in 1990 for the highest score by an India captain away from home and became just the fifth India skipper to register a double hundred in Test cricket.

Highest Test scores by India captains

MS Dhoni (224)
Sachin Tendulkar (217)
Sunil Gavaskar (205)
MAK Pataudi (203*)
Virat Kohli (200)

Kohli combined with Ravi Ashwin for a superb 168-run partnership for the fifth wicket as India amassed a big total of 8 (dec) - 566 and left the West Indies (1-31 at stumps) with plenty of work to do to avoid defeat.

Ashwin, who scored his third Test century with a patient 113, was in awe of Kohli and said there was little the West Indies bowlers could do when bowling to the India captain.

"He (Kohli) is just playing a few shots which makes the bowling look ridiculous," Ashwin said after stumps on day two.

Quick Single: Remarkable numbers behind Kohli's knock

"I should say those shots are out of ordinary shots."

"And that is the sheer brilliance of how Virat has been batting over the last year or so."

Ashwin was promoted up the India batting order against the West Indies, with the allrounder coming in at No.6 for the first time in his Test career.

Having Ashwin hold down No.6 spot in the Test side would be a huge luxury for India, allowing Kohli the option of playing five specialist bowlers against other nations.

Ashwin thanked Kohli for giving him the opportunity to bat at No.6 and is hoping he can make it a permanent switch in the batting order.

"I've always wanted to bat in the top seven for the Indian team," Ashwin admitted.

"It's a long-time goal that I have to try to strive to get better at. 

"I need to thank Anil bhai and Virat [Kohli] for having the confidence in me to be pushed at number six. 

"There have been times in the past when I've played really well and haven't really got the promotion."

Ashwin also saved plenty of praise for India batting coach Sanjay Bangar.

"Sanjay Bangar has worked really closely with my stance for the last 12 months and it has been a challenge," Ashwin said.

"I used to be extra side-on and I had to open myself a little bit, so that change is very effective.

"I am not trying to state anything that is not obvious, but I'm just trying to enjoy myself."