India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
