India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
