India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
