India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
