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 their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
