India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
