India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
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 pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
