India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press