India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
