Skipper Virat Kohli struck form with a gritty century as India ended the opening day's play on a commanding 267 for three against New Zealand in the third and final Test in Indore on Saturday.

The hosts, who elected to bat first, rode on an unbeaten 167-run partnership between Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to gain control of the innings after early losses.

Kohli recorded his 13th Test ton in 48 matches after a string of low scores in his last seven innings since his first Test double hundred against West Indies in July.

The top-order batsman, who tackled the New Zealand bowlers with excellent footwork, hit the ball to all parts of the Holkar Stadium.

Rahane, who seemed to gain confidence from the free-flowing Kohli at the other end, brought up his fifty -- the tenth of his Test career -- with a six off Jeetan Patel.

"Virat played a very good innings and got the first century (from either side) in the series and Ajinkya too batted well," number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored 41, told reporters.

"Their partnership was crucial and if it carries on tomorrow it will be good for us," Pujara said.

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: 267 for 3 (Pujara 41, Kohli 103 not out, Rahane  79 not out; Santner 1-53)

NEW ZEALAND: Latham, Guptill, Williamson, Taylor, Ronchi, Neesham, Santner, Watling, Patel, Henry, Boult.