India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
