India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
