Mohali, Nov 5 (IANS): It wasn't the start India captain Virat Kohli had hoped for after opting to bat as the visiting South African side clinched three wickets, keeping India's score at 82, in the first session of the first cricket Test at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here on Thursday.

In the 27 overs bowled in the morning, India only managed to score 82 runs but gave away three wickets -- opener Shikhar Dhawan (0), Cheteshwar Pujara (31) and Kohli (1). Pacers Vernon Philander (1/17), Kagiso Rabada (1/20) and left-arm spinner Deal Elgar (1/3) were among the wickets.

Southpaw Dhawan was the first to go, for a golden duck, on the 10th ball of the innings as a back of the length delivery from Philander was edged straight to South Africa captain Hashim Amla, who gladly accepted the catch with India yet to get off the mark.

Thereon, Pujara and opener Murali Vijay (40 not out) appeared to steady the innings striking a 63-run second wicket partnership. Pujara also struck six fluid boundaries but just when it was looking that the duo would build on the partnership, the Saurashtra batsman was found leg before wicket by newly introduced Elgar.

It took the South Africans just four more deliveries to clinch another wicket when they dismissed Kohli for 1. The skipper, who turns 27 today, did not have a great birthday as he could not time the ball which went straight to cover only to be caught by Elgar.

Ajinkya Rahane (3 not out) and Vijay were at the crease when lunch was called.