India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
