India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
