India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
