India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
