India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing 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 suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
