India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
