Ajinkya Rahane came back into form with a well-fought unbeaten 89 as India profited from a couple of dropped catches by South Africa to finish the first day of the fourth Test at Delhi at 231/7. It was the highest total by any team in the series so far, where the nature of the pitches has dominated all conversation.

The Delhi pitch had lesser demons in it compared to Mohali and Nagpur, but still had enough to trouble the batsmen. South Africa did not have the services of the injured Dale Steyn and Simon Harmer but persevered through the day, helped by the contributions of pacer Kyle Abbott (3-23) and off-spinner Dane Piedt (4-101). Rahane kept his cool even as wickets tumbled at the other end, on the way to his first ever half-century in India. Skipper Virat Kohli, who won the toss, also looked in good touch, making 44 before getting out in a bizzare manner – caught by the keeper after his sweep shot hit the short leg fielder's thigh and popped up in the air.

There were two significant partnerships for India – 70 between Kohli and Rahane for the fourth wicket and 59 between Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja (24) for the seventh wicket. The hosts were helped by some sloppy fielding from South Africa, with Hashim Amla being the main culprit. After having dropped Rohit Sharma off a sitter earlier in the day, the South African captain dropped another easy catch offered by Rahane towards the end of the final session.