India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
