India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
