India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
