South Africa's spinner Dane Piedt troubled India's batsmen on Thursday, a day later Ravindra Jadeja returned the favour and ripped through South Africa's batting ranks by claiming a five-for to restrict them to just 121 runs in their first innings, of the fourth Test, in Delhi on Friday.
Early on day two, Ajinkya Rahane made the first century of the series, played its longest innings, and put on, with R Ashwin, its highest partnership, as India posted 334 in the first innings.
South Africa in return were off to a steady start, as openers Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma added 36 runs for the first wicket. The partnership was worth nearly twice South Africa's previous-highest for the first wicket in this series.
Umesh Yadav accounted for Elgar in the 15th over. From then on, it was Jadeja who stole the show with the ball. His first victim was Bauvma who poked at a pitched-up delivery tentatively and was bowled.
Six-overs later Captain Hashim Amla tried to cut Jadeja, but was caught behind for just three. Faf du Plessis lasted just an over and was caught by Rahane at leg slip, as he attempted to play the paddle scoop.
AB de Villiers was the only South Africa batsman to show signs of a fight and hit five boundaries for his 78-ball 42. But the other batsmen failed to show signs of resistance and buckled against the spinning ball.
De Villiers himself miscued a lofted shot off Jadeja - as he began to run out of batting partners - and found Ishant Sharma at the long-off boundary. His departure signalled the end of any resistance and South Africa managed just 121 in their innings, still 213 runs short of India's total.