The tendency to fish outside the off-stump seemed to be addressed as Virat Kohli looked quite determined to record what would have been his first international century in over two years, in his 99th appearance in Test cricket.

But much to his chagrin, India kept losing wickets at the other end. And that tendency, which had been the main reason behind his struggles over the previous 25 innings, once again brought about Kohli’s departure as he fell 21 short of three figures.

That said, it was his well-compiled, patient knock of 79 that helped India manage 223 in their first innings on a lively Newlands surface on Day I of the third and final Test in Cape Town. A modest total, yes, but given the strength of India’s pace attack and the fragility of the Proteas batting, the visitors should still be feeling optimistic about their maiden series win in South Africa.

At stumps on Tuesday, the Proteas, in reply, were 17/1 having lost skipper Dean Elgar, the mainstay of their batting. Jasprit Bumrah pitched it at the right spot that forced Elgar to play, and the resultant edge was safely taken at the slip cordon.

Back in the side after recovering from upper back spasm, Kohli was faced with yet another tricky phase, coming in with India precariously placed at 33/2 after winning the third successive toss and opting to bat first. With overcast conditions and the pitch offering a fair bit of bounce and also some movement to the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier, a really tough test awaited the India captain.

But Kohli banked on his discipline. The quicks tried to tempt him with deliveries outside off-stump, but Kohli ensured he averted the trap.

His concentration didn’t waver with the quick dismissals of a set Cheteshwar Pujara (43) and Ajinkya Rahane. Compact in his defence, Kohli made sure to unleash his trademark cover drives whenever the South African bowlers over-pitched.

He took as many as 158 balls to bring up his half-century, his slowest so far in Tests. But what mattered was his presence at the crease.

“Virat showed great focus, while it was also about the realism to have enough respect for the game to focus and play within,” former South Africa pacer Fanie de Villiers told The Telegraph.

Battle with Rabada

Kohli’s battle with Rabada was classic Test match stuff. The pace ace, playing his 50th Test, was fired up and repeatedly tested Kohli around the off-stump.

Once a big edge fell just short of the second slip and twice the ball just somehow missed the edge of Kohli’s bat. But Kohli too played some exquisite shots whenever Rabada erred in length.

Rabada, though, had the last laugh as with India eight wickets down, Kohli’s focus was on acquiring as many runs as possible that brought about his dismissal.