The New Zealand cricketers face a record run chase to avoid their first home series loss to India since 1968.
The tourists reached 349-5 in their second innings on day three of the third test at the Basin reserve in Wellington to lead by 531.
Gautam Gambhir top-scored with 167 - his second century in consecutive tests - and VVS Laxman made 61.
The not out batsmen are Yuvraj Singh on 15 and the captain Mahendra Dhoni on 16.
The best of the New Zealand bowlers are Dan Vettori and Iain O'Brien, who've each taken two wickets.
Black Caps coach Andy Moles said his side were well aware of the challenge that now faced them and when they did begin batting, they would try to build partnerships.
"History would suggest that there's not too many sides win from this situation," Moles said.
The highest successful fourth innings run chase in test cricket is the 418 for seven West Indies achieved to beat Australia in Antigua in 2003.
India won the first test in Hamilton and the second in Napier ended in a draw.
