India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
