India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
