India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
