India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
