India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
