India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
