India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
