India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
