India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
