India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
