India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
