India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
