Ajinkya Rahane's return to form, his partnerships with Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and with R Ashwin has allowed India to recover from the stumble they had in their mid-innings. Dane Piedt, who is playing the second Test match of his career bowled exceedingly well. He was supported very well by Kyle Abbott - another change that South Africa made for the fourth Test. The visitors realized that they have much to gain by winning the last Test so that when they play England in two weeks time, their morale will be much recovered, unless they lose the series 3-0. India dropped Amit Mishra and brought in Umesh Yadav and how that is going to work, remains to be seen. There is a little bit of turn, but it is a slow pitch at the Feroz Shah Kotla. There is a little bit of dampness on the surface because of the early winter in Delhi and it allows the ball to skid, but not grip. It was only in the middle session when the pitch had dried up - as the sun had come out - that the ball started to turn and bounce a bit. Virat Kohi was shaping well till luck deserted him. He was out caught when the ball bounced off the forward short leg fielder. On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane batted really well. He showed loads of patience which was unfortunately not the case earlier in the series. He seemed to be in a hurry to score and therefore was reaching to the deliveries which on day-one (fourth Test) he left alone.

On the first day, he played close to his body and played with soft hands. He made very good use of his feet to the spinners and he was very assured against the new ball bowlers as he is very light on his feet. He is close to a century (89 not out) and that will be his first at home. If Ashwin can continue in the same calm manner with Rahane, India can get close to the 300-run mark.