India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked 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, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying 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 pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
