India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
