Virat Kohli gives a send-off to South African skipper Faf du Plessis

The South Africa vs India series kicked off earlier today amidst much excitement and anticipation. Winning the toss, the Proteas elected to bat first. The Indian squad featured a couple of interesting additions. Jasprit Bumrah was handed over his maiden Test debut, while skipper Virat Kohli gave the nod ahead to Rohit Sharma over out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane.

The Indian colts got off to a brilliant start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar looked exceptional with the ball reducing the hosts to 12 for 3 with the Proteas top-order already back in the hut. However, skipper Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers steadied the innings as they went to lunch at 107 for 3. They played some glorious shots as looked in total control.

India strikes hard after lunch

Coming back from lunch, India looked at the top of their game as they struck hard with Bumrah picking his maiden wicket in the form of de Villiers. The 33-year-old looked to be cruising control and Bumrah’s delivery made all the difference. ABD, who looked positive all throughout his innings, went for the expansive drive, leaving a huge gap between bat and body as the ball took a thin edge before rattling off the wood.

Virat Kohli gives a send-off to du Plessis

Hardik then had a close lbw call go against him as it was hitting the top of the middle stump but since the umpire had ruled it not out the umpire’s call stayed. The second delivery after that Pandya dismissed du Plessis. The ball got the bottom of his bat, carried low to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who did well to stay low and complete the catch. Virat Kohli was all pumped up with the wicket as they were disappointed and frustrated when the DRS went against them.

Only recently the Proteas skipper in an attempt to up the ante stated that he was “ready to take the challenge to Kohli.” Thus it only seemed fitting when following the dismissal, Kohli was spotted roaring and celebrating almost in Faf’s face. The Indian skipper was ecstatic as he fist-pumped the air after the Indian bowlers have sent half of the Proteas batting line-up back to the pavilion.

The on-field umpires also had a gentle word with Kohli about his reactions between the overs. Kohli acknowledged it with a wry smile as the game moved on.

Watch the video here:

pic.twitter.com/OQbuAXGOs7

— ramadheer singh (@ashusingh0218) January 5, 2018