India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent 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 marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
