India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's 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 unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
