India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
