New Zealand dismissed India for 462 in their second innings on a rain-shortened fourth day.
Their batsmen faced four balls before bad light and showers forced officials to call off play for the day.
Play was not possible at the 9:15am (0345 GMT) start time and intermittent rain is forecast throughout the day.
New captain Tom Latham and Devon Conway were at the crease when play ended with New Zealand yet to score in their second innings as they attempt to win in India for the first time in 36 years.
New Zealand have won just two Tests in India in 36 outings, in 1969 at Nagpur and in 1988 at Mumbai.
India were bowled out for 46 after winning the toss and opting to bat after the opening day’s play was washed out without a ball being bowled. New Zealand replied with 402 in their first innings.
The second Test begins on October 24 in Pune, with the third starting on November 1 in Mumbai.
AFP