India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
