India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players R 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 turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
