India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
