India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
