India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India'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 all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
