India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
