India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, 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 nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
