India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
