India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
