India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
