India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
