India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph 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 unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
