India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India 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 last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
