Reduced to 25 for three by opening bowlers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel after they were put in to bat, Rahane joined opening batsman K.L. Rahul in mid-morning, the pair putting on 68 for the fourth wicket to blunt the early threat of the home side's pace attack in helpful conditions.
It took the off-spin of Roston Chase to separate them halfway through the afternoon session when Rahul, on 44, got a faint touch to an innocuous leg-side delivery for wicketkeeper Shai Hope to take a neat catch.
It was Hope's third catch of the innings in a role he would not have expected overnight as a lingering ankle injury to regular wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich ruled the first-choice gloveman out of the match.
With speculation over his continued value to the Indian team, giving the increasing competitiveness for places in their batting order, Rahane underscored his worth as a gritty, determined campaigner. His innings has so far occupied 122 deliveries with seven boundaries embellishing another invaluable hand from the pugnacious right-hander.
He will resume in the final session on 50 alongside Hanuma Vihari (18 not out).