India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
