India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
