India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions 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 play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
