India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
