India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
