India, at stumps, were 37-0, requiring another 193 runs to win their first Test in Australia since 1981.
Virender Sehwag scored a quickfire 25 off 27 balls, and along with Akash Chopra, on 10, saw India end the day without losing any wickets.
"Obviously the odds are in India's favour and there wouldn't be too many people expecting the result to go the other way," conceded Australia coach John Buchannan.