India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
