India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
