India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
