The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
