India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
