India's shocking 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, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory 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 prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
