India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate 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 side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
