India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
