India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' 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 unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
