India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
