Dale Steyn tore into India as they were forced to follow on after a dramatic collapse in the First Test against South Africa in Nagpur.

The hosts lost their last six wickets on day three for 13 runs as Steyn claimed a career-best seven for 51, bowling India out for 233 and handing South Africa a first-innings lead of 325.

India were fairly well placed at 221 for four at the tea interval, but Steyn returned to pick up five wickets in 3.4 overs after the interval as India caved in meekly.

"We actually had the ball changed when we came out after tea because the seam had popped open on the old one," Steyn said.

"We hoped to get a bit of reverse swing, it worked in our favour and it was good really."

India finished the day on 66 for two in their second innings, still 259 behind, with Steyn having taken his eighth wicket of the match.

Virender Sehwag (109) and Test debutant Subramaniam Badrinath (56) made the bulk of India's 233 tally, which left the side 325 behind.