India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the final of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
