India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's 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 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
