Virat Kohli notched up an unbeaten century partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket to help India reach 288-4 on the first day of the second Test against West Indies in Port of Spain on Thursday.
Skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a strong start with an opening stand of 139 after being asked to bat at the Queen's Park Oval.
However, the Windies hit back after the visitors lost four wickets in the second session. At this crucial stage, Kohli and Jadeja joined hands to score a 106-run partnership to steady the innings.
Kohli, featuring in his 500th international match, was batting on 87 with Jadeja on 36 at the close of play.
Rohit and Jaiswal had scored tons in the opening cricket Test in Roseau, where India won inside three days to go 1-0 up in the two-Test series, and they started from where they left off.
India maintained a scoring rate of five an over in the first session with both openers hitting half-centuries before Jason Holder provided the breakthrough, when he had Jaiswal caught in the gully for 57.
Shubman Gill could not impress once again at the number three slot. After making only six in Roseau he scored 10 on Thursday before being dismissed by Kemar Roach.
Spinner Jomel Warrican dismissed Rohit (80) before he could reach his hundred and Ajinkya Rahane (eight) dragged a ball from Shannon Gabriel on to his stumps as India slipped to 182-4.
Kohli took 21 balls to score his first run and was watchful throughout his knock which included eight fours.
Jaiswal, who scored an impressive 171 in his Test debut at Roseau, expressed his disappointment after missing out on a second successive century.
"Of course I am disappointed, but it happens in cricket," the 21-year-old left-handed batsman told reporters.
"I just need to keep learning and keep thinking how I can do better in my next innings."