India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball 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' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
