On a bowler-friendly pitch under grey skies, India showed grit to reach 204/6 by stumps, thanks largely to Karun Nair's calm and composed 52.
Jaiswal fell early, Rahul chopped on, and Gill's needless run-out hurt. Sai Sudharsan and Jadeja got starts but failed to kick on.
Nair held firm, stitching useful stands with Jurel and Sundar.
England, despite the conditions, will feel they let India off the hook.