India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
