India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
