India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
