India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
