Two early blows when South Africa’s score read a mere 6, Dhoni’s men were with their tails up sensing a historic chance so early. They go for the kill with spin seeing Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla struggling to put bat to ball.

But fast forward it to the end of day’s play… Kallis and Amla return to the pavilion with their heads held high and bats aloft with two well-deserving centuries and a great chance to pile more agony on the Indians on the second day. South Africa finish the opening day of the Nagpur Test at a commanding 291/2 and are well on course for a 500-plus total to take the game away from India.

The two early blows – SA skipper Greame Smith and Ashwell Prince – was a surprise twist for India on a morning full of miseries. The bad news first came with V V S Laxman who failed to recover in time. Then, Rohit Sharma too followed Laxman’s route, injuring himself in the morning playing football. This double whammy forced India to bring in reserve wicketkeeper Vridhiman Saha as a specialist batter. Finally, Dhoni lost the toss, portending a bleak future in the Test.

But for the two dismissals, the Nagpur wicket played true to predictions and batting never looked a daunting task. It was however Kallis who took the lead to help his team come out of pits while Amla played the perfect sheet anchor role.

Having to go into the second day with their backs to the wall, is a strange predicament in a while for the Test leaders. Now, with South Africa set for a big score, the task is cut out to save the match and keep their world no.1 rank in tact.