India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings 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. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
