India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
