India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
