Sachin Tendulkar was the star man as India made a solid response to Australia's first-innings total of 380 in the first Test.
The hosts reached 84-2 at tea before Tendulkar dominated the evening session to leave India on 182-3.
James Pattinson did take the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara to make it three out of three clean bowls for the Aussie paceman.
Veteran batsman Tendulkar finished the day on 71 not out and has built a formidable partnership with Virat Kohli, who just reached his half-century before close of play.
The match in Chennai is the first of a four-game series.
