India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates 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 seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
