India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and 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.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
