India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
