India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
