India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
