India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
