India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
