India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years 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 past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
