India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
