India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded 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' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
