India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
