India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
