India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
