Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (7*) and KL Rahul (2*) survived a testing period before bad light brought an early end to play, ensuring no further setbacks.
Earlier in the day, Marco Jansen fell agonisingly short of a maiden Test century, dismissed for 93, while Senuran Muthusamy’s superb 109 powered South Africa to a strong first-innings total of 489 on day two.
Resuming at a shaky 247 for six, South Africa were steadied by Muthusamy’s 88-run partnership with Kyle Verreynne (45).
He then combined with Jansen for a valuable 97-run stand that pushed the visitors firmly ahead. Muthusamy brought up his first Test hundred with composed batting, but Jansen’s dream was cut short when he dragged a googly from Kuldeep Yadav onto his stumps.
Kuldeep finished as India’s most successful bowler with 4 for 115, while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja picked up two wickets each after long, gruelling spells. Washington Sundar went wicketless, and debutant Nitish Reddy bowled only six of the 151.1 overs India sent down in a taxing effort across nearly six sessions.
