India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners 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 exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
