India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared 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 failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
