Shubman Gill’s career-best 128 and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 59 kept India in contention as Australia responded strongly in the fourth Test.
Opener Gayle featured in three 50-over partnerships as he recorded his second Test century, helping India reach 289-3 at stumps on day three in Ahmedabad.
India are trailing by 191 runs but boosted by Kohli’s first Test half-century since January 2022.
Australia are looking for a win to level the series 2-2.
India resumed play at 36-0 but after spinner Matt Kuhneman broke the opening stand of 74 with the wicket of Rohit Sharma, Gayle and Cheteshwar Pujara steadied India’s reply with a 113-run partnership.
But they suffered a 16-over boundary drought after Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith adapted, Gayle adding to the run-rate with back-to-back fours off Cameron Greene.
Gayle – who replaced KL Rahul in the third Test – brought up his century with a fine sweep off Todd Murphy, but the celebrations were muted when Pujara fell before the wicket for 42 after just four balls. .
Kohli supported him at the crease but the tiring Gill eventually got out lbw to Nathan Lyon’s off-spin in the final session.
From there, Kohli took charge with Ravindra Jadeja, who closed on 16, at the opposite end.
India must win this match in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval on June 7-11.
