India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
