India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
