India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
