India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation'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 a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents 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 domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
