Indian captain Virat Kohli became the first Test captain to score six double centuries in Test cricket. He surpassed the previous record held by which player?

Introduction / Context:
Virat Kohli has set several batting records in Test cricket, especially during his tenure as captain of the Indian team. One notable achievement is becoming the first Test captain to score six double centuries. This record surpassed the previous mark held by another legendary batsman who had also scored multiple double hundreds as captain. Exam questions often test awareness of such record breaking milestones. Here, you are asked to identify which player held the previous record before Kohli surpassed it.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on double centuries scored while acting as captain in Test cricket.
• Virat Kohli reached a record of six double centuries as captain.
• He broke the previous record held by another great batsman.
• The options are Steve Smith, Brian Lara, Michael Clarke, and Don Bradman.

Concept / Approach:
The concept centres on captaincy specific batting records. Several great players have scored multiple double centuries, but the question narrows it down to innings played as captains. Brian Lara, the West Indian legend, held a record for double centuries as captain before Kohli era. When Kohli reached six double hundreds in this role, he moved ahead of Lara tally. The approach is to recall that the record mentioned in news reports and exam material explicitly stated that Kohli surpassed Brian Lara, not Smith, Clarke, or Bradman, in the category of double centuries by a Test captain.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question is not about total double centuries but about those scored while captaining. Step 2: List the legendary batsmen given in the options and recall their association with captaincy records. Step 3: Remember that news about Kohli sixth double century highlighted that he overtook Brian Lara record for most double hundreds as a Test captain. Step 4: Separate this from other records that may involve Don Bradman or other players, which relate to total double centuries, not specifically captaincy. Step 5: Choose Brian Lara as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of how each player is usually discussed. Don Bradman is famous for his overall batting average and large number of big scores, but most references talk about his total double centuries rather than captain specific statistics. Steve Smith and Michael Clarke both have double centuries for Australia, but the widely publicised captaincy record that Kohli broke is linked with Brian Lara. When you recall that the headlines mentioned Kohli overtaking Lara record, it confirms that Brian Lara is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Steve Smith: Smith has multiple Test centuries and double centuries, but he was not the previous record holder for double hundreds as a captain that Kohli surpassed.
Michael Clarke: Clarke scored some notable double centuries for Australia, yet he did not hold the specific record for six or more double centuries as captain that Kohli went on to break.
Don Bradman: Bradman has a famous record for total double centuries and overall batting performance, but the captaincy specific record mentioned in connection with Kohli is tied to Brian Lara, not Bradman.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical pitfall is to confuse general batting records with captaincy records. Candidates may select Don Bradman simply because his name is strongly associated with many batting records, without noting that the question is specifically about performances as captain. Another error is to guess a contemporary player like Steve Smith, overlooking that the record holder discussed in media reports was Brian Lara. To avoid these mistakes, read the wording carefully and remember that Kohli six double centuries as captain were repeatedly compared with and then placed above Lara earlier record.

Final Answer:
When Virat Kohli became the first Test captain to score six double centuries, he surpassed the previous record held by Brian Lara, so option B is correct.