India trail by just six runs in the Boxing Day Test against Australia after crafting their way to 5-189 at tea on day two.
Stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane (53 not out) secured just the third half-century from either side this series to ensure India will pass Australia's total of 195 at the MCG.
But when they do take a first-innings lead remains to be seen, with the final over of the second session cut short because of rain.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted for Melbourne on Sunday evening.
Rahane played the patient anchor role at one end while explosive wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant chanced his hand at any delivery too full or short.
But the big-hitting Pant's entertaining cameo (29 off 40 balls) came to an end just prior to tea as Mitchell Starc collected his second wicket.
Pant, who was recalled for this match, has fond memories of playing Australia after hitting a scintillating unbeaten 159 at the SCG in January 2019.
Spinner Nathan Lyon took the session's only other wicket, with Steve Smith taking a catch to dismiss Hanuma Vihari (21).
Allrounder Ravindra Jadeja (four no) will be at the crease with Rahane when play gets back underway.
Australia star Pat Cummins produced a masterful spell of fast bowling under overcast skies in the morning's session to claim two crucial wickets, but India have taken full control as they seek to level the series at one-all.
India rode their luck early after resuming on Sunday at 1-36, with Australia burning a review, Tim Paine dropping a chance off debutant Shubman Gill and multiple edges just falling short of fielders at the MCG.
After putting down Gill in the second over of the day off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood, captain Paine made up for the missed opportunity by twice combining with Cummins.
The Australian captain's catch to send Gill packing was regulation, but Paine's brilliant effort to dismiss the resilient Pujara two overs later will be replayed for the rest of the summer.
Diving low to his right, Paine had to snare the ball in one glove as the thick edge would not have carried to Matthew Wade at first-slip.
Cummins' double strike took his tally to nine for the series after match figures of 7-69 at the Adelaide Oval.
