India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
