The day began with India's first innings crumbling swiftly. Resuming at 181-6, they lost their last four wickets in just six overs, bowled out for 224.
Gus Atkinson's fiery 5-33, backed by Josh Tongue's 3-57, set an aggressive tone for England. However, the hosts' batting faltered under testing conditions, managing 247 in their first innings to secure a modest 23-run lead.
England's innings was ignited by a blistering 92-run opening stand between Zak Crawley (64) and Ben Duckett (43), scored in under 13 overs.
Crawley's 14 boundaries showcased his flair, while Duckett's audacious strokeplay, including a reverse-swept four and a scooped six, electrified the crowd.
Yet, Duckett's dismissal, caught attempting another reverse off Akash Deep, triggered a collapse, with England losing nine wickets for 155.
Mohammed Siraj (4-86) and Prasidh Krishna (4-62) led India's fightback, with Siraj's relentless eight-over spell dismissing Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell lbw.
Tensions simmered throughout, with verbal exchanges between Krishna and a visibly irked Root adding spice to an already intense series. India's bowlers, despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, outshone England's attack, with Siraj stepping up as the spearhead.
England's bowlers, led by Atkinson, struck early in India's second innings, but their fielders faltered. Yashasvi Jaiswal, unbeaten on 51, survived two drops, by Harry Brook and substitute Liam Dawson, while Sai Sudharsan was reprieved once before falling lbw to Atkinson.
These errors, coupled with Chris Woakes' absence due to a shoulder injury, left England ruing missed opportunities.
India's resilience, reminiscent of their rearguard in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, has put them in the driver's seat. With Jaiswal anchoring the innings, they are well-placed to push for a series-levelling victory on day three.
England, however, will need a disciplined bowling effort and sharper fielding to claw their way back and avoid a 2-2 series draw.
Summary:
Fifth Rothesay Test, The Kia Oval (day two of five)
India 224 (Nair 57, Atkinson 5-33, Tongue 3-57) & 75-2 (Jaiswal 51*)
England 247 (Crawley 64, Brook 53, Duckett 43; Siraj 4-86, Krishna 4-62)
India lead by 52 runs
England manager Thomas Tuchel has recalled Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden for next week's World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, while Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott earns his first senior call-up.
England fast bowler Mark Wood says he wants to up his intensity as he builds up to put himself in the selection frame for the first Ashes Test that starts in Perth on 21 November.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler says his players unanimously believe Danny Welbeck deserves a recall to the England squad, as calls grow for the in-form striker to be included in Thomas Tuchel's selection for this month's World Cup qualifiers.
India fought back to bowl Australia out to win the fourth T20I and take an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the five-match series in Carrara on Thursday.
