India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
