India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
