India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
