India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
