India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - 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 more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
