India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
