India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
