India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
