The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
