It was the same tale in Delhi, as Virat Kohli once again won the toss, and had absolutely no hesitation in batting first. Kohli was once again let down massively by his top order, as all the batsmen got off to some sort of start, before throwing it away. Kohli himself looked all set for a big score, before he was dismissed in a freakish way. But the man of the day for India was Ajinkya Rahane, who played with an astounding will power. After losing as many as 5 wickets in the second session, the hosts came back strongly to get to a respectable total.
Below, are the twitter reactions for the first day’s play.
Both South Africa and India started with playing five bowlers in Mohali and have reverted to playing only four by the last Test. #IndvSA
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 3, 2015
The top order is gone again. Not for the first time…….#IndvsSA
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 3, 2015
#Rahane with 86* has d highest individual score in this score..Huge surprise considering 3 100’s were scored in d #Mumbai ODI..#IndvsSa
— Pranav Chopra (@PranavChopra) December 3, 2015
#Ashwin‘s defence resembles an opener..#IndvsSa
— Pranav Chopra (@PranavChopra) December 3, 2015
Cracked it. The problem isn’t Rohit Sharma, it’s those few overs before tea. Or lunch. Or stumps. Or dinner. #IndvsSA
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) December 3, 2015
Unless Rohit Sharma scores big in the second innings, I only see him getting 15-20 more Tests to play himself into the side. #IndvsSA
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) December 3, 2015
Rahane must go for his hundred before stumps. And not leave it for tomorrow. This momentum must be utilized. #IndvsSA
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) December 3, 2015
When the going gets tough, Ajinkya Rahane for India gets going #Rahane #IndvsSA
— Yash Padh (@yashpadh) December 3, 2015
The pitches are playable but its the batsmen inability to score runs..we have seen it in Delhi now. #IndvsSA #SAvIND #FerozShahKotla
— Abhishek Sharma (@abhishek6259) December 3, 2015
Aah, that Tendulkar-like paddle. Playing the sweep in the V. #IndvsSA
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) December 3, 2015
Temba bavuma is the magnet of attracting cricket ball.. #IndvsSA
— Nava mohan (@iamnavamohan) December 3, 2015
I hope the rest of the indian batsmen take note of Ajinkya Rahanes innings, it is possible, if you have patience, to score runs #IndvsSA
— Hilesh Atara (@Hilesh83) December 3, 2015
Something about Rahane, it’s as if India’s blessings are with him and he’s thankful for that. #IndvsSA
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) December 3, 2015