Day 1 concluded with South Africa sitting at 17/1, trailing the Indian total by 206 runs. India had previously been dismissed for 223, largely due to a disciplined performance by the South African pace attack. While Virat Kohli played a crucial role with a strong 79, Kagiso Rabada dominated the bowling with a four-wicket haul. India did manage a breakthrough early on, as Jasprit Bumrah removed Dean Elgar for just 3.
South Africa finished 17/1 at stumps and trial India by 206 runs on Day 1. Earlier, the Proteas bowled out India for 223. South African pacers delivered quality bowling and restricted India from scoring a big total. Indian skipper Virat Kohli starred with a brilliant knockoff 79. Kagiso Rabada led from the front and scalped a four-wicket haul. Jasprit Bumrah stunned the Proteas by dismissing their skipper Dean Elgar for just 3.
KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal began the innings with a decent flow, particularly after Agarwal was spared by Keegan Petersen early on. However, the South African bowlers quickly regained control, dismissing both openers in consecutive overs—Rahul fell for 12 to Duanne Olivier, and Agarwal was sent back for 15 by Rabada. Stability arrived when Pujara and Kohli combined for a 62-run stand, which lasted until Marco Jansen dismissed Pujara for 43.
The South African bowlers relentlessly tested Kohli's technique by bowling tight lines outside off-stump, but the Indian captain displayed great poise to remain unbeaten for a long stretch. He eventually earned a tough 50, marking one of his lowest half-centuries in Test matches. It was a grueling innings, but Kohli's resilience helped India secure a decent first-innings score.
Rishabh Pant's contribution was short-lived, as he departed for 27. The lone resistance from Kohli finally ended when Rabada produced a brilliant delivery to clean him up. Shardul Thakur added a bit of flair with a six and a four, but was soon dismissed by Maharaj. With wickets falling consistently, the Proteas bowlers effectively wrapped up the innings, leaving India on the defensive due to an unstable top order.