India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
