India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
