India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
