India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
