India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
