India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
