India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
