India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
