India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
