India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
