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 handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
