India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
