India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
