South Africa, replying to India’s first innings score of 201, were 28-2 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against in Mohali on Thursday.
Opener Dean Elgar was unbeaten on 13 and skipper Hashim Amla was on nine.
Earlier, India were dismissed in 68 overs after they won the toss and elected to bat on a dry wicket at the I.S. Bindra stadium.
Opener Murali Vijay was the top scorer with 75.
Left-arm spinner Elgar picked up four wickets. Vernon Philander and Imran Tahir took two each.