India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
