Virat Kohli won his third successive toss of the series but the Indian top order could not make the most of it on Saturday with the exception of Rohit Sharma, who was batting on 38 at the break.

Ajinkya Rahane was giving him company on 11 and the Mumbai duo will hope to rebuild the innings after the early jolts as India seek to consolidate their place atop the World Test Championship table with a series whitewash.

Visiting captain Faf du Plessis turned up with teammate Temba Bavuma as proxy skipper for flipping of the coin but South Africa still lost their 10th toss in a row in India.

Armed with the new ball, Rabada made the most of the morning conditions, bowling fuller and generating enough swing to trouble the batsmen.

One of those drew Mayank Agarwal out to edge to slip, where Dean Elgar took a low catch to dismiss the in-form opener.

India's No.3, Cheteshwar Pujara, survived a lbw appeal against Rabada but du Plessis wisely decided against reviewing the decision.

Next time Rabada hit Pujara on the pad, the bowler's conviction prompted du Plessis to challenge the not-out decision and they were rewarded with the wicket of the scoreless batsman.

Rabada was celebrating his third success of the morning when Rohit was adjudged lbw but the opener immediately reviewed the decision, which was reversed after replays confirmed an inside edge.

Anrich Nortje, playing his second Test, struck the biggest blow when he trapped Kohli leg before for 12.

The home captain reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned.

Australian Associated Press