India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
