The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
