India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
