India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
