India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
