India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers 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 looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
