India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
