India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
