India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. 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 anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
