India's unexpected 0-2 defeat 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 loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
