India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
