India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
