India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
