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, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
