South Africa took three early wickets but missed two crucial chances on the first morning of the first Test against India in Centurion on Tuesday.
India were 91 for three at lunch with Andre Berger making an immediate impact on his Test debut, taking two for 23.
Virat Kohli (33 not out) and Shreyas Iyer (31 not out) made an unbeaten 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket when the visitors were at 24 for three.
Both could have been out on four runs.
Iyer was dropped by Marco Jensen when he slashed Kagiso Rabada to backward point.