India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
