India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
