India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat 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 fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and 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 - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
