India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
