India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
