India lost the toss and South Africa decided to bat first in conditions that were good for bowling. Bhuvneshwar Kumar came out and took three SA wicket in quick time. The rest of the bowlers chipped in and the hosts were bowled out for 286. So far... so good.
Then, the Indian batsmen decided that away is not home. They reverted to form and Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli quickly found their way back to the dressing room. While Dhawan’s wicket was expected, Kohli’s dismissal set the cat among the pigeons.
Here is how Twitter reacted to India’s top-order collapse:
Coach : why are you struggling in South Africa?
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) January 5, 2018
Virat Kohli : even the great Mahatma Gandhi struggled here, mai kya cheez hun. #INDvSA
*Dhawan, Pujara and Kohli at a bar in SA*
— The-Lying-Lama (@KyaUkhaadLega) January 5, 2018
Bartender : Sir our shots are famous. Kamikaze, Tequila, B-52 etc, which one would you like ?
Pujara: Let me decide guys, your shot selection sucks...#SAvIND
If Kohli and co. can finish this game in 4 days, we can still play an ODI on 5th day with Lanka.#SAvIND #IndvsSA
— Bharat (@Er_Number31) January 5, 2018
You think Kohli was pissed off for getting dismissed cheaply. Wait until Shastri tells him the whole team has to shower together in 5 mins. #WaterRestrictions #SAvIND
— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) January 5, 2018
The Giraffe strikes first ball. Kohli back in the hut. Extra bounce!! If Steyn doesn't get you, Morkel will. If Morkel doesn't, Big Vern will. If Big Vern doesn't, Soola Karuppan will. Enna Oru bowling line up da idhu!! Absolute insane attack. MENACING!! #IndvSA
— Srini Mama 💲 (@SriniMama16) January 5, 2018
Gutted! that was a shameless shot by #Dhawan and #Kohli has seen zilch improvement on away bouncy swinging tracks. thank you @BCCI pls organize some more matches in India to hide the shortcomings and to keep minting money #SAvIND
— Vipul Prakash (@vp_vpul) January 5, 2018
Kohli ,Smith comparison in tests put to sleep already?
— Denzil martin (@denzilmartin05) January 5, 2018
If South Africa can finish this game in 4 days then #Kohli and co. can still play an ODI on the 5th day with Sri Lanka.#SAvIND
— Souvik Roy Moulick (@SouvikRM10) January 5, 2018
So South Africa will be satisfied the 1st day has gone according to plan: scored 286 on a spicy pitch & have reduced India to 28-3 by stumps. Kohli, Dhawan & Vijay all out, Pujara on 5* will be key. Gripping 1st day of the series
— Ken Borland (@KenBorland) January 5, 2018
Anyway, at least "bhagwaan ka apmaan" ad is sorted for the 2022 tour. #positives
— Srinath (@srinathsripath) January 5, 2018
