India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
