India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent 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 the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
