India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
