India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, 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 experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
