India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
