India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
