Watch: Virat Kohli Gives a send-off to SA captain

The much-awaited Freedom Series kicked off as South Africa received some early blows after they decided to bat first after winning the toss. Young Jasprit Bumrah was handed over the Test cap by his skipper Virat Kohli, who gave the nod ahead to Rohit Sharma over out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was exceptional with the ball as the host was reduced to 12 for 3 with their 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 they looked in total control.

However, India once again strikes back right after lunch with Bumrah picking his debut wicket in the form of de Villiers. The ball was on the batsman’s half, and around the off stump, AB has been very positive throughout the innings, and he went for the expansive drive, leaving a huge gap between bat and body and the ball takes a thin edge before rattling the off stick.

It was then Hardik Pandya’s turn to knock du Plessis as he gets the bottom of the bat, carried low to Saha, who did well to stay low in completing the catch. Virat Kohli was all pumped up with the wicket as they good start after lunch.

https://twitter.com/ashusingh0218/status/949249884376334336

Kohli was spotted roaring and celebrating – almost in Faf’s face. He’s running around, and fist pumping as the Indian bowlers have sent half of the batting line-up back to the pavilion.

The on-field umpires also had a gentle word with Kohli about his reactions in that Pandya over. Kohli acknowledges with a smile as the game moves.

Here is the newsfeed:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar hunts SA top-order

twitter Reacts as Bhuvneshwar Kumar rocks SA top-order