India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the decider of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
