India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
