India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, 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.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
