In response to Gujarat's 302 in the first innings, MP were 162 for five at stumps trailing the opposition by 140 runs.
Earlier, Gujarat were all out after adding only 78 runs to their overnight 224 for four.
Manpreet Juneja, who was on an overnight 44, went on to make 79 off 153 balls with his innings comprising 10 fours.
Chandrakant Sakure (4/65) and Gaurav Yadav (3/57) brought MP back into game with a productive performance.
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Besides Rajat Patidar (71), none of their batsmen could make an impact including skipper Naman Ojha (28).
From 128 for two, MP found themselves struggling at 157 for five before stumps were called.
India players Jaspirt Bumrah and Axar Patel bowled a tidy spell for Gujarat.
Brief Scores: Gujarat 302 in 113.2 overs (Juneja 79, Parthiv 49; Sakure 4/65). MP 162/5 in 64 overs (Patidar 71, Axar 2/33).