India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
