India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible 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, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
