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 inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
