India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
