The game has already become mired in controversies, with the conduct of India players including their skipper on the third day coming under scrutiny following a failed DRS review. India had seemingly gotten a breakthrough late on day three of the Cape Town Test, only for the LBW decision to be overturned on the question of height. The India players were less than pleased at the decision, and said a number of things into the stump-mic.

Another DRS review caused controversy on the fourth morning. The review by India was taken when Mohammad Shami beat Rassie while the batter went for the drive in the 37th over. It turned out to be a close call yet again, as the ball was very close to the bat while Rassie had hit the ground. UltraEdge showed two spikes, but as there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the decision, the third umpire stayed with the on-field decision which was not-out.

Kohli wasn’t pleased with this call, and had a chat with the umpires. Later, some words were shared between Rassie and Kohli, and the India skipper was heard saying, “…You go after someone who is five years younger than you…”, referring to an incident involving Rishabh Pant in the previous Test.

In the Johannesburg game, Rishabh Pant and Rassie engaged in a verbal duel when the India keeper was batting and the South Africa player was stationed at short-leg. Pant was heard saying: “You focus on your cricket, not mine,” and “Yeah, I can see you’re not a gentleman”.