India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer 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, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
