India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
