[Watch] Virat Kohli Punches Marco Jansen With An Alluring Cover-Drive In SA vs IND 2nd Test

Virat Kohli in action against South Africa (AP)

Virat Kohli made his intentions clear soon after arriving at the crease on Day 1 of India's series-deciding second Test match against South Africa. The cricketer unfurled a confident off-drive against Nandre Burger in just the fourth delivery of his innings before punching Marco Jansen through the covers to race to 12* from just five balls.

Kohli eventually remained unbeaten until Tea to stretch India's first innings lead to 56 runs.

Virat Kohli bashes Marco Jansen with a cover-drive

Indian batting veteran Virat Kohli arrived at the crease following the dismissal of captain and opening batter Rohit Sharma. Barely settled at the crease, the cricketer unpacked an elegant cover drive off Marco Jansen just moments after dispatching Nandre Burger with a classical off-drive.

Watch: Virat Kohli thumps Marco Jansen for an early boundary

Earlier in the day, Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar collectively demolished South Africa's entire batting line-up for just 55 within the opening session. Siraj claimed career-best figures of 6-15 in the innings, while Bumrah and Kumar chipped in with two wickets each.

In response, South Africa struck back with Kagiso Rabada removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck in the Indian innings. Visiting skipper Rohit Sharma belted a few on his way to a rapid 39 to ensure India had a first-innings lead to brag about within their opening ten overs.

Following Sharma's dismissal, Kohli stood firm at the crease as he kept losing partners from the other end. Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja fell for ducks, while in-form KL Rahul made just eight after surviving South Africa's post-Tea outburst.

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