India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
