India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
