India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
