India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
