Batsman VVS Laxman made a polished 96 before India's bowlers grabbed three wickets to give their side the advantage on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead.
When bad light stopped play, South Africa were 111 for 3, still 192 runs short of a victory target of 303.
Laxman says India were confident they could square the three-match series but identified Jacques Kallis as the man who could take the match away from his team.
Kallis (12) and AB de Villiers (17) will resume batting for South Africa on day four on a pitch which played easier on day three after bowlers dominated the first two days.