India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
